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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
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
355 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 (:
martin-andersen
139 posts
 
Sorry for hijacking this thread, but as a owner of the Orchid I would really like all owners of the Orchid to join my fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/orchiddac/.
The purpose of the group is to collect any information that can improve the SQ of the Orchid.If you have suggestion for a great tube, new capacitor, power cable. come join,

kbuzz
214 posts
 
Re Deer Creek's post above that the dac in the MiniDSP is competitive with many mentioned here, can you comment on how user friendly the MiniDSP is to use for a non computer type.  I want to try Dirac on problematic room, and streamer to replace my cpu would be nice. But i took a look at the manual and was a bit overwhelmed....
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