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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
cooperjack's avatar
cooperjack
22 posts
 
I was using a Jotunheim multibit and liked it. I replaced it with a Gunguir Multibit to see if I could hear some difference. Damn, I cannot believe how good the Gumby is. It needs a few days of run in before it sounds right. But after settling in  it makes recordings I never paid attention three dimensional and startling beautiful. The sound of this thing is just mesmerizing. 

I use Gumby in a system with a Pass Xa25, Jotunheim line source, Kef LS 50's, REL T-5 sub,  Qobuz files from a Mac, and an assortment of Anticable power cords, interconnects, and speaker wires. This DAC truly is the best source I have ever owned. Give Gumby an audition but let it run for a few days and make sure you have good interconnects and power cords with it.  I can't believe how good this thing is.  
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springy
2 posts
 

I’ve been a Musical Paradise pimp for years and on a whim picked up a Denafrips Ares 2 to try out the whole R2R thing. Holy cow I did not expect the curtains to fall and the music was front and Center compared to the AKM4499 and fully tricked out  MP-D2 MK3. The Ares 2 was like a breath of fresh air and I found myself listening to all my favourites again and even worse, I restarted my Tidal subscription again since Digital finally was keeping up with my vinyl rig! I have since upgraded to the Pontus 2 and it’s a big improvement over the Ares 2 in musicality and the bass is so much better and you can actually feel the room where the music was recorded. I know you’ve already made a purchase but I thought I’d chime in and share my experience. 

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