DAC choices -- help me cross the line


My current DAC is Cambridge Audio Azur 851D driving the two channel speaker system in the study. My headphone system consists of a Bluesound Node 2i feeding into a Quicksilver headphone amp. The plan is to put the CA DAC in the headphone chain and sell the Node, so this means I have to purchase a new DAC for the 2 channel system in the study. Here's what the 2 channel system looks like ...
opticalRendu >> CA Azur 851D (to be replaced) >> Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 >> Harbeth P3esr

So what am I looking for? Heft, holographic, a bit of warmth, big organic sound, tonal richness. I don't mind sacrificing a bit of neutrality or accuracy. I listen to all kinds of music but am partial to jazz, vocals, classic rock. 

I almost pulled the trigger on a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but wanted to take the R2R DACs for a spin just for kicks. I was initially interested in the MHDT Pagoda or Orchid, but their no-return policy is a no go for me. I know some people don't mind, but I really don't want to give my business to a company who doesn't trust its own products.

So this leads me to three final contenders -- AudioMirror Tubadour iii SE, Tubadour iii (regular/non-SE) and the Border Patrol DAC. Really interested in hearing from someone who might have heard at least one of the two, or better yet compared the Audiomirror to one of the MHDT DACs.

Now Audiomirror offers two versions of the Tubadour III -- SE and non-SE, with the SE being a $1000 costlier. Wondering if the sonic improvements are worth the higher $$$ in the SE version. Would love to hear from someone who has had a chance to compare the two.

Also wondering how the Tubadour III regular version compares to MHDT Pagoda. Both are around the same price.

Note: If are going to suggest another DAC, I don't mind. But please make sure it's R2R, < $2500 (used or new), has a return policy, and NOT made in China.

arafiq

Showing 1 response by audioman58

Mojo Audio call Ben they have a $2500 model that is like buying a 
hot Rodney unit ,I am a modded for a long time you will find nothing under $5 k that is better it has the classic Analog Devises 1865 K version R2R dac Femto clock Xmos board 9 of the worlds 
best Bellison super regulator ,medical grade AC filter, and very important excellent power supplies with 247,000 uf in capacitance
hand balanced for perfect channel matching Descreet Opamps that are pure class-A, Not integrated circuits like all others,and a few other things made in Newmexico USA , it is modular , 45 day audition, and a full 5 year warranty.  His New top Evo dac starts at just over $5k and has just 
won Audiophilia award and reviewer bought the dac it beats dacs several times it’s cost. I have the $2500 model and spent another 
$600 for a max upgrade , it is exceptional It was noticably more musical then the Schitt Yaggs, Audiomirror has the same 1865 dac chip but not even close. Power supply filtering ,is critical in digital 
Mojo Audio knows digital .