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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 2 responses by letch

letch
105 posts
 
I just pulled the trigger on an Orchid this week. I've also got a CEC TL5 coming to pair with it. I bought it with the upgraded Tung Sol  since you get the standard tube as well. 

@hilde45 I think analytical is negative depending on how one views such things. I think your understanding is spot on. 

I was listening to a friend's system (Conrad Johnson, Totem, Rega) and it was good, but too analytical. My friend called it revealing and admitted that there was music he loved that he couldn't listen to on it. I shoot for what I call musical, which means the system is there to play music not "recordings." He loves his system, I admired it, but could never live like that. But he completely understood and that was his preference and I respect that.

Now I have to figure out where I can get me one of those Western Electric tubes everyone is going on about. 
letch
105 posts
 
@hilde45 
This thread already exists:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/mhdt-orchid-tube-rolling

My amplifier is out for repair (Sonic Frontiers Power 2se) and I've been told that I can expect 10-14 weeks for turnaround. Ugh. What will be interesting it that I'm going to be placing my transport/DAC into my friend's "revealing" system since his is vinyl only. This will an opportunity to get my unit burned in and also to tube roll in this system. The sad part is that I won't get to listen to it at home. I am considering getting a cheap amp to do duty while I await repair. 
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