2. digital
  3. 156677-35074

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
chuckjonez
34 posts
 
First, buy a used DAC on Audiogon. That alone will turn your $1500 budget into $2500 to $3000. Second, look for a highly regarded and positively reviewed piece that is one generation old. Prices fall a bit when an upgraded model comes out. But if the last generation was awesome, it didn’t get less awesome. I bought my DAC used for $1300, I believe. It’s a Bryson BDA-1 D/A converter. It was $3,000 new. Bryston has since launched BDA-2 and then BDA-3; the latter is about $3500 new. I love the DAC. It does everything the reviews said it would. Good luck!
roy1919's avatar
roy1919
8 posts
 
I just purchased a Denafrips Ares 2 and am very impressed. I Love the sound, not harsh or "digital" at all, beautiful soundstage, detail, instruments and voices are just awesome,  and I can (and do) listen for hours.  At the same time I upgraded my digital and analog interconnects to BlueJeans cables, I believe that also made a nice and big difference. My previous DAC's were the ones in my Bluesound node 2 and a DacMagic 100, so yea I have nothing major to compare it to DAC wise. I still listen to vinyl and find this DAC sounds similar to vinyl, and at times even better. The lead time is very short now, and highly suggest you consider this DAC, probably exceptional value of the money.

My System:
Oracle Alexandria MKII with Ortolan MC 30 Super cartridge
Parasound Zphono (Using BlueJeans interconnects - however I am waiting for my Stager Pure Silver Solids with KLEI silver connectors to arrive for comparison)
Bluesound node 2 for streaming (All CD resolution files on hard drive, a few higher resolution and then mostly Tidal for streaming)
Denafrips Ares 2
Quad 44 Pre AMP ( with upgraded OP amps)
Quad 405 amp (with major dual PSU upgrade and some OP Amps)
B&W CM6 S2 bookshelf speakes via KimberKable TC8 speaker cables.
ronrags's avatar
ronrags
278 posts
 
My MHDT Orchid was recently modded by Grannyring (Bill) and all I can say is wow. The sound is cleaner and clearer without sounding glaring. The soundstage is larger and more holographic. Right now I’m listening to Jessica Williams Live at Yoshi’s and she’s right in front of me playing her piano.

I previously owned the PS Audio Direct Stream, Metrum Onyx and the T&A Dac 8 and there is no comparison. The modded Orchid is more natural and 3D sounding and costs less than $2k with the upgrades. Highly recommended!
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
354 posts
 
I've been running an MHDT Orchid for about six months now.  My only modification is that I'm using a 6DJ8 in place of the 5670/We296 family. I have a western electric,  a teal and a GE 5 star and the Amperex 6DJ8 is better. It does require an adapter for the socket. 

I love the sound of this dac. I listen to it for hours and hours. 
martin-andersen
139 posts
 
I also have the MHDT Orchid. It's a very musical dac. and cheap (:
More to discover