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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
teajay OP
1,659 posts
 
Hey rpw,

Then they have not updated the current information.  It is in production and because of the cost of the DAC chips and other parts it's retail cost will be $2,000.  
soix
8,993 posts
 
Hey @teajay — without spoiling the upcoming review, can you share any differences between the Balanced Pagoda and the Tubadour SE? Understand if you can’t, and looking forward to reading the review. And thanks for the heads up.

@janehamble — when was the last time you wrote a published, full review of a piece of audio equipment that actually helped people make their purchase decisions? Thought so. Go throw your useless flames elsewhere.
teajay OP
1,659 posts
 
Hey soix,

With out copping out, and not going into all the details, if your system is single ended, I would choose the Tubadour SE, because if you run the Balanced Pagoda single ended, not balanced you lose the beauty of this DAC. However, if you have a balanced system I would then recommend the Balanced Pagoda because it’s the equal of the Audio Mirror piece and slightly better in certain sonic parameters and costs $500 less.
melvinjames
416 posts
 
@teajay  .. keep up the good work! Seems there are plenty of us who enjoy your reviews and subsequent posts here. Personally, I'm happy to see MHDT Lab receiving more well-deserved attention lately. FWIW I purchased their single-ended Pagoda 2 years ago and couldn't be happier. So happy in fact, if I were to go the balanced route with my system a balanced Pagoda would certainly be part of that future.
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.
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