to me the orchid is superior, more musical overall
the ares 2 had a persistent sibilance problem, despite trying different connections and settings
the orchid does not present detail in as forward a manner, but it has a more analog quality to its sound, which is richer, smoother, more full -- btw the orchid allows tube rolling, and using tube adapters, a very wide range of tubes can be used in the buffer section, to further shape the sound to be sweeter, or more transparent/impactful etc etc
for these reasons, i have kept my mhdt dacs and sold the ares long ago
the ares 2 had a persistent sibilance problem, despite trying different connections and settings
the orchid does not present detail in as forward a manner, but it has a more analog quality to its sound, which is richer, smoother, more full -- btw the orchid allows tube rolling, and using tube adapters, a very wide range of tubes can be used in the buffer section, to further shape the sound to be sweeter, or more transparent/impactful etc etc
for these reasons, i have kept my mhdt dacs and sold the ares long ago