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Non Analytical Sounding DAC Upgrade- Budget $1,500 or less

After upgrading my speakers and turntable over the last 3 years it's time to get rid of my nearly 7-year old Beresford DAC. I originally started with a budget of $750 or less, but after researching possible options it seems like $1,500 might be more realistic. This will be in my dedicated 2 channel system. 80% listening through speakers and the rest through headphones. Analog is about 50% of listening, the 50% that is digital is mostly standard res streaming (via Roon/Tidal) or physical CD (using Oppo player as transport) with some higher res stuff tossed in. Music is mostly classic rock, prog, jazz, classical.

Downstream is NAD326 Integrated and Tekton Enzo XL speakers. I'll probably upgrade the amp in the next year. The speakers are long-term keepers.

I want something that gives a nice detailed sound-stage. Being a fan of good vinyl playback I'm not looking for an overly analytical sound. Because of that it seems like a R2R dac might be a better fit. I know there's lots of choices so hoping you can help to narrow the list down to a manageable number. Here's what's on the list so far:

  1. MHDT Orchid or Pagoda
  2. Denafrips Ares 2
  3. Musical Paradise MP-D2
  4. Soekris dac1541
I'm definitely open to other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!
ruleof72

Showing 1 response by ianrodger

ianrodger
164 posts
 
@hilde45   Analytical to me means bright, shrill, harsh, sometimes lacking in fullness. Out of tonal balance if you like.

It's what the sound was like when using a Rega DAC in my system. Of course, it depended on the source, some songs being not so harsh as others.
I realised I wasn't enjoying my listening sessions so much anymore. It had got to the stage where I couldn't stand listening to some music so avoided it even though they were some of my favourite artists. This is not a good place to be in.

When I changed the Rega out for a Denafrips Ares, all of that harshness vanished. The bass had some real tuneful heft to it and the treble was much more natural sounding without sounding as though it was artificially rounded off. It sounded......fuller.
Previously really bad sounding tracks were now much more pleasant to listen to.

When I upgraded to the Denafrips Pontus DAC I was even happier and remain so.

If the Denafrips family colours the music, as mentioned above in one reply, it does so in a wonderful way.
Ian
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