Need dynamic DAC

I have not heard the Paradisea, sorry. I bought the Havana, the next up in the line, on recommendation and was never dissapointed. The Bel Canto is more dynamic than the Havana was, but I am not sure it was necessiarily better. Havana was a bit warmer, but the did not extend to either the bass or upper end as well as the Bel Canto does.

Good luck!!

I have both MHDA units, and while I think they sound great, I don't think they are the utmost is dynamic. The Benchmark is more dynamic, but also a drier presentation (more detail oriented). Don't know about the Bel Canto.

Benchmark DAC1 is dynamic.

I second Peter_s' opinion on the Benchmark vs. the MHDT DACs. The Benchmark is one of the most dynamic DACs in that price range. It is a little on the dry side, but in my tube system it is an excellent match. Get the USB or Pre version of the Benchmark - you have the added flexibility if you want to go for a PC based system down the road.

Another very dynamic DAC, I really liked is the John Wright modded Bitstream or Bidat.

Use the Tung Sol NOS tube equivalent in the mhdt Paradisea rather than the stock GE tube for a huge improvement in dynamics especially in the low end.