New R2R DAC


I am on the road to upgrade my DAC. Currently use a MHDT Pagoda Balanced. Want to stay in the R2R world.

Considering Audio Note 2.1, SW1X DAC II, Lampizator Amber 4, or Holo Audio May.

Will be used in a system with Auralic server, ARC REF 3 Preamp, Modwright KWA 150 Signature Amp, and Wilson Sabrina Speakers.

Thoughts and advice?

Thanks!

gareents

Gareents,

I have never heard the AudtioNote or Lampi, but I have heard the Holo Audio May DAC KTE ($5,600) model and the Denafrips Terminator Plus 12th ($7,500) are truly amazing DACs. I did prefer the Terminator Plus, but I'd be happy with either one for my end game DAC.

The AudioNote DAC I don't believe is R2R either. 18bit chip based. 

I just moved from an R2R DAC to a Chord DAC and have to say if you've not tried a Chord DAC you should put it on your list. Not technically a R2R I believe they use a propriety DAC chip and custom programing. you can see them used now at reasonable prices, I picked up a DAVE for $6500usd a few weeks ago. 

If you are handy with a soldering iron and not afraid to work on the chassis main board, get yourself a MHDT Orchid and modify it by replacing the standard 1541a chip with an S1 or S2, then change the two large output caps to a more expensive Mundorf or Jensen. My modded Orchid is very transparent, smooth with depth and dare I say 'analogish'. Granted this would cost you probably at least $500 or so but IMHO it's a lot better than spending thousands and thousands of dollars only to probably be disappointed. 

After 3 months of research, I bought the middle of the Denafrips line, The Venus II. I have been blown away with the detail I am now hearing. Incredible. I am able to use the I2s on the Venus with my OPPO BDP-95 players HDMI with a $45 adapter from Fleabay. I prefer DVD-A, Blu Ray's, SACD's, and regular old CD's. The OPPO is my most prized possession. 

The AN 2.1x signature is excellent , but stretch to the 3 series is you can. Or at least the 2.1x signature balanced. Also remember the 2.1x sig is only balanced and spdif. No toslink, usb,I2s.