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Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated

So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find). 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better. 

Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never  totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with. 

Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).

Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!

 

cooper52
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danager
871 posts
 

I own a MHDT Orchid DAC using an adapter and the  NOS 6922 Dgetter tube and it's good.  I have not performed the capacitor upgrade yet but it's supposed to make it even better.

Still in your price range,  on Ebay there is an Orchid with the 6922 socket and it also includes the TDA 1541 S2 chip.  It's a pretty good deal as a real TDA 1541 S2 are quite expensive (if you can find them)

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,608 posts
 

op

mhdt or soekris, both are excellent, high performance, high value entries

celtic66
1,609 posts
 

Used Mojo Mystique' 3 is probably 3-3.5K....... if found.  Quite musical and dynamic with a very complete soundstage.

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kingbarbuda
513 posts
 

For R2R DACs here is my opinion on some of the options:

1. Audio-Gd. Not impressed. Not impressed with their dealer either. 
2. Denafrips: All their DACs are highly reviewed. I own a Terminator Plus and a Gaia DDC. I love them and working with Alvin from Vinshine Audio is a dream! 
Pick the DAC in your price range. You can’t go wrong. 
3. Border Patrol: I went to the room with Border Patrol at AXPONA and I was impressed. Also not terribly expensive. Definitely worth considering. 
4. Also agree that Holo Audio’s DACs should be considered. 
You have some very good options at different price points. 

abraxalito
93 posts
 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777

According to AMR's blurb that has a multibit 16bit DAC. Which nowadays is encompassed by the term 'R2R'.

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