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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
dpac996's avatar
dpac996
676 posts
 
Chord Qutest incredible value; according to the designer Rob Watts, they selected the best power supply for the overall low noise design; stick with the stock supply and you can’t go wrong.
Immensely musical for the price of admission.

kishekar
20 posts
 
I have following DACs at moment between work and two home systems:
benchmark 2
chord mojo
chord 2qute
border patrol 

The Border Patrol and Benchmark exist on opposite ends of the “precise you can see into everything” - to - “non fatiguing and organic” spectrum, but I appreciate both.  The 2qute strikes a great balance, and hence is in main system, but I’d never call it fatiguing.

Given how cheap the mojo is (I’d call it the best deal in this entire hobby), could start there and save some coin, and if you like the sound but want even better: Qutest or used 2qute. If you want even more “organic” you can then try something else suggested previously in thread (or Border Patrol, which is highly recommend and is my go to in my 2nd system). You won’t lose very much money reselling the mojo, that I’m sure of.
desert38
16 posts
 
+1 on the Black Ice FX tube dac.  I was involved in the DAC shoot-out in AZ and I was blown away by how good this DAC sounded, especially at the price.
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amg56
887 posts
 
I don’t know what pricing is like in the ‘States, but you might have a look at the range by Cocktail Audio (www.cocktailaudio.com).
They have a good range with a big downloadable table of product features for each product. I have the X45Pro and think it is a great sounding streamer/dac/ripper etc. These products from Novatron in Sth Korea aren’t well known it seems but after 12 mths of good use I think it’s fantastic.
moofoo
289 posts
 
I am 95% vinyl and have budget digital in my main rig but I would suspect, since I have not heard it, the Audio Mirror DAC is very good. I would have given it a try but it was out of my digital budget. My view is based on reading user reviews of the AM dac, and working with Vlad when he built my SET 45W mono blocks. He was easy to work with and support was great. Plus the amps just sound great in my system. Very pure, natural, spacious, non-fatiguing music of any sort.
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