I have both the MHDT Pagoda (with a NOS Bendix tube) and the Chord Qutest. Both are fantastic sounding DACs but pretty different sounding. The Chord is more resolving. Everything is crystal clear. Bass is deeper and punchier. Vocals are clearer and you can understand lyrics better.
The Pagoda is very smooth and analog sounding. I find it sounds better on older recordings that were mastered to tape. There's more of an LP feel to it. The soundstage is a bit wider. The midrange is to die for but the highs and lows get a little less emphasized. Both DACs are very dynamic and lively.
I would say, if your system is on the analytical side, the a NOS R2R tube day might be the way to go. If your system is on the euphonic lush side, than I would recommend the Qutest.
Both DACs are much better than the one in the Node IMHO
The Pagoda is very smooth and analog sounding. I find it sounds better on older recordings that were mastered to tape. There's more of an LP feel to it. The soundstage is a bit wider. The midrange is to die for but the highs and lows get a little less emphasized. Both DACs are very dynamic and lively.
I would say, if your system is on the analytical side, the a NOS R2R tube day might be the way to go. If your system is on the euphonic lush side, than I would recommend the Qutest.
Both DACs are much better than the one in the Node IMHO