Need help choosing a new DAC


With so many options for DACs these days, I'm having a hard time deciding on a new DAC.  Currently considering a MHDT Orchid or Pagoda, Denafrips Pontus II, Benchmark DAC3,  Schitt Yggdrasil, or Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE.  I don't need any options such as volume control, BT, or MQA.  I also prefer musicality over measurements.  I'm currently using a SMSL SU-9, which will be moved over to my office system.  I'm tired of moving it back and forth between systems. My bank account prefers the cost of the Orchid since the other options cost up to twice as much, but I can go as high as $2500.  I mostly steam Qobuz thru a Raspberry Pi 4, but also use a Cambridge Audio CXC v2 CD transport on occasion.  My preamp is a Don Sachs DS2 tube preamp going into a D-Sonic m3a-1200s amp feeding "Gunned" MMGs.  I mostly listen to the Grateful Dead, rock, jazz, and acoustic music. Which DAC should I get and are the any others I should look at? 

terrapin77

Showing 20 responses by terrapin77

@fuzztone The Don Sachs preamp has a balance input but the output is RCA.  I don't think I have ever listened to a DSD file so that isn't a concern for me.  

@arafiq is there a good site on the internet for DSD?  I haven't seen any DSD files on Qobuz, but TBH, I haven't looked for them either. 

@mresseguie Thanks for the reply!  I definitely don't need MQA or DSD.  I went on a few sites to see what was available in DSD and nothing I listen to is in that format.  I'm leaning towards auditioning the Orchid since it costs less than the others. The money I save would be put towards finishing treating my room.  I currently only have some corner bass traps from GIK. 

@arafiq I'm going to audition the DACs before I buy.  As for a tube DAC paired with a tube preamp, I've read a few posts on the forums where the Audio Mirror was used with the same preamp I have.  They loved it!  

@scottya118 I will check out the Sonnet Morpheus, but it is slightly more than I want to spend at this time

@arafiq ​​​​​​I'm not 100% certain I'm going with a tube DAC. In fact, tube DACs only recently came on my radar as I have been doing research.  The other components in my system aren't leaving anytime soon. Just trying to find the right DAC for my system and keep it within my budget.  

@marlin38 I'm actually thinking about getting a HDCD compliant CD player because I have so many Dead CDs. My CXC V2 isn't HDCD compliant. And the Dead CDs are about the only discs that get played in my system. 

I want to say thanks to everyone who replied to my post. As for the DAC, an Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE just popped up for sale on another forum and I  emailed the seller that I want it since I would save $1k vs buying new.  If I don't like it, I will sell it and try the Yggdrasil next.  

@thebingster I have been reading up on the La Voce S3 and it definitely is a great DAC.  New, it is way more than I want to spend. Your price is more to my liking. 

@52356 I just did a Google search for HDCD and it looks like HDCD decoding has been reversed engineered.  You can now rip a HDCD using a plugin and play it through a modern DAC.  I'm going to give it a try tomorrow on the 2/26/77 Dave's Picks

The AM Tubadour 3 SE has been purchased.  Got it for $1795.  That La Voce S3 at $2800 was tempting, but it was more than I wanted to be spend at the moment.  Other than finishing treating my room, I'm done spending money on audio for a while. 

@boxcarman I wish I could do that. I got into a bad financial situation about 20 years ago by ignoring budgets and being reckless with spending. Once I dug myself out of that hole, I promised myself I would never repeat those past mistakes.

@charles1dad Thanks!  I'm very happy with my current system. Hopefully, the Tubadour DAC will be that.missing.piece.  The Don Sachs preamp and D-Sonic amp were definitely a great upgrade from my old Adcom components.  And the Gunned MMGs destroy my old AR speakers.  The ARs are now in my office system because I will never sell them. .They were the first speakers I bought back in 94 and at this point have sentimental value to me. 

@drewdawg999 The DAC is currently in transit.  I will let you know my thoughts on it once I get a chance to listen to it. 

@stuartk I ended up buying an Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE and it delivers tomorrow.  If I end up up not liking it, the Aqua S3 is definitely on my radar.

The AM Tubadour III SE delivered today.  Been listening for a few hours and my initial impression is very positive. It's a very organic and natural sounding DAC. Pairs nicely with the Don Sachs preamp. 

@charles1dad Thanks! Definitely not edgy/bright colorations with the DAC. Other than upgrading the crossovers on my maggies to Peter Gunn's latest recommendation, I'm fairly certain that I have the system that will provide many years of listening enjoyment!!

@ghdprentice Thanks!  The person I bought it from said it has around 1000 hours on it.  He never used the USB input so that path will need some break in.