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The Mhdt lab Balanced Pagoda DAC

In the last couple of months I have received numerous Emails from readers regarding could I fine a truly balanced R2R DAC that would sell for less then $2,500 to review. Since, I am a fan of the very reasonably priced, but very well built and terrific sounding DACs from Mhdt Lab I requested from the them the Balanced Pagoda model that retails for less then $2,000. In the past I have reviewed the Orchid DAC and found it to be a superlative music maker, raved about it and thought it was a great bargain at it’s price point of $1,200. Take a look at the threads here on AudioGon, where the DIY/modders have shared how they improved the performance of the standard Orchid to a higher level.

The Balanced Pagoda uses four, two per channel, highly regarded NOS Burr Brown PCM 1704-J grade chips. Of course all circuity is doubled and it uses a pair of NOS WE 396 tubes in the analog conversation section, compared to the Orchid’s single tube.

If you run a balanced system and are looking for a "honey" of a DAC, the Balanced Pagoda might be the DAC you are looking for because of its performance vs cost ratio. It takes the beautiful tonality, 3D imaging, wonderful air around instruments of the Orchid to a higher level and adds more transparency/micro-details, with dramatically more powerful overall dynamics/ bass extension. Yet it never becomes analytical in its presentation and draws you into the music.

There are two caveats to be mindful of to get the magic out of the Balanced Pagoda: 1) Drive it with an AES/EBU balanced cable. 2) Only use the XLR outputs. Otherwise you will lose the ultimate performance of this DAC in your system.

I’ll be writing for the Stereo Times website the full review with all the details about the Balanced Pagoda in the next couple of months. For now, this "heads up" hopefully provides to the individuals that were seeking a balanced DAC in this price range enough details to seek out an audition of this excellent performer.

teajay

Showing 5 responses by janehamble

janehamble
123 posts
 
Here comes another puff piece....
janehamble
123 posts
 
@soix  I'd be happy to put together reviews of equipment if I was compensated by a manufacturer to do so.  But sadly I'm not a professional "Influencer" - I do have another job. Don't get me wrong -  there's no shame in being an influencer.  I use them often when I've got my marketing hat on.  And just because a product is "reviewed" by an influencer doesn't necessarily make it an unfair assessment.  The Pagoda - for example - could be incredible.  Lord knows they've been making it long enough, so it must be ok. @teajay is just one of many influencers who love posting on Audiogon.  Especially over there in the Miscellaneous forum.  Good influencers, by definition,  build up lots of followers and fans.  People are entertained by their posts and most of all they trust them. You're obviously a fan of @teajay - which is lovely. The rest of us just need to take the reviews of all influencers with a large spoonful of salt.
janehamble
123 posts
 
Oh, and by the way, I've never bought a Lab12 -  I just didn't appreciate that this 5 year old dac was being represented as a new product.  
janehamble
123 posts
 
@ronrags, here's' the issue:  social media has created an entirely new profession (often part-time) for people at home to test and review products.  Examples include mommy-blogger reviews of vacuum cleaners, and so on. The website - especially in terms of categories supported by a cottage industry of small companies which can't afford regular advertising - has become inundated with spurious, sponsored reviews. It's one of the least expensive ways to launch a new product. 

It's all OK.  But there's a distinction between a 'recommended product' pushed by a blogger and a properly reviewed product by a independent journalist working for a reputable magazine or website - and not sponsored by a manufacturer.  Some magazines and websites these days often use freelance bloggers to write sponsored articles.  Other bloggers simply hang out on forums like this, continuously advocating for companies and products - typically in exchange for free equipment.  Since you asked - that's how it works and that's why it's a point worth keeping in mind.   
janehamble
123 posts
 
@ teajay as long as you choose to post your comments on public social media forums you can expect some reactions.  Not all them will be positive - you'll have to get over that.  This is not your private notice board. As mentioned, Audiogon is inundated with influencers posting 'reviews and advice'. Much of it needs a filter. I'm sure everyone's looking forward to your piece about the Pagoda.
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