@adam8179 My path to satisfying digital began when I purchased a dB Audio Labs Tranquility DAC which uses the old-school TDA1543. It was the first time I can honestly say I was happy with digital. After several years using this fine DAC the high-res bug bit and, wanting to hear it in all its glory, I purchased the Chord Qute HD when it first came out. I was wowed and used it until an upgrade with even higher specs was offered. With future-proofing in mind I shipped it off to be upgraded to the EX version.
In the meantime I re-installed the Tranquility and was surprised just how much I missed the sound quality. It seemed at first to be a bit less resolving but after a while I realized the Tranquility was simply more balanced, retaining all of the detail coupled with a natural, beautiful tone. When my newly upgraded Qute EX arrived I kept both DACs in the system to compare side by side. My preference leaned heavily toward the Tranquility.
Since then my entire system evolved and when I learned of the MHDT Lab Pagoda DAC (dual PCM1704) I took a chance on it. That was about 2.5 years ago. I choose it over the Orchid for various reasons, one being the Pagoda is a 24-bit DAC. I do like high-res and want 24/192 without decimation to 16/44.1 (or 16/48). Would I have been happy with the Orchid? Considering the myriad of accolades from others who seem to be seeking a similar sound quality, I would say yes. That said, I love my Pagoda and it’s not going anywhere. Obviously, I think you might be very pleased with an R-2R DAC. Best of luck to you.
Other components in my system:
Sonore microRendu
Decware SE84UFO
Omega Super 3i Monitors & DeepHemp 8 Subwoofer
