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 4 responses by yyzsantabarbara

@in_shore

Whatever dac you choose you need to look into these one box marvels , Innuos Phoenix or Ideon’s Master Time , it would be far and away the best 3 grand you’ve spent.

Are these products you mentioned Digital-2-digital converters, like the Denafrips D/D products? https://www.denafrips.com/products

I am researching the Denafrips D2D stuff on Headfi forum.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/new-denafrips-ddc-iris-and-gaia.931695/

The Denafrips Iris ($400) can take a USB input from say a OpticalRendu and convert it to I2S format to input into a Tubadour.

I was thinking of trying the Denafrips T+ but this Tubadour SE III seems like the one to try first.

It looks like the answer to my initial question is answered here:
https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/review-innuos-phoenixusb-reclocker-r906/page/3/#comments
Is there are benefit to using the XLR outputs vs the RCA on the Tubadour . It seems to me you have to choose one of the 2 when the unit is being built. That is it does not come with both outputs. I will be connecting the Tubadour to a Benchmark HPA4 preamp. I would prefer RCA since my other 2 XLR inputs are already spoken for, however, I could make some adjustments if the XLR is much better.
How long does the tube on the Tubadour last? Never had tubes so this we be new to me.

Nevermind.
Expected tube life for 5977 subminiature tubes is  >5000 hrs.