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DAC choices -- help me cross the line

My current DAC is Cambridge Audio Azur 851D driving the two channel speaker system in the study. My headphone system consists of a Bluesound Node 2i feeding into a Quicksilver headphone amp. The plan is to put the CA DAC in the headphone chain and sell the Node, so this means I have to purchase a new DAC for the 2 channel system in the study. Here's what the 2 channel system looks like ...
opticalRendu >> CA Azur 851D (to be replaced) >> Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 >> Harbeth P3esr

So what am I looking for? Heft, holographic, a bit of warmth, big organic sound, tonal richness. I don't mind sacrificing a bit of neutrality or accuracy. I listen to all kinds of music but am partial to jazz, vocals, classic rock. 

I almost pulled the trigger on a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but wanted to take the R2R DACs for a spin just for kicks. I was initially interested in the MHDT Pagoda or Orchid, but their no-return policy is a no go for me. I know some people don't mind, but I really don't want to give my business to a company who doesn't trust its own products.

So this leads me to three final contenders -- AudioMirror Tubadour iii SE, Tubadour iii (regular/non-SE) and the Border Patrol DAC. Really interested in hearing from someone who might have heard at least one of the two, or better yet compared the Audiomirror to one of the MHDT DACs.

Now Audiomirror offers two versions of the Tubadour III -- SE and non-SE, with the SE being a $1000 costlier. Wondering if the sonic improvements are worth the higher $$$ in the SE version. Would love to hear from someone who has had a chance to compare the two.

Also wondering how the Tubadour III regular version compares to MHDT Pagoda. Both are around the same price.

Note: If are going to suggest another DAC, I don't mind. But please make sure it's R2R, < $2500 (used or new), has a return policy, and NOT made in China.

128x128arafiq
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,447 posts
 
I just picked up the RME and think it's a great DAC.  I think it betters my NAD M51 which sounds pretty good given that its 7 years old... 

Its is connected to a c-j Classic 2SE pre and a pair of Quicksilver Mid Monos running KT 77 power tubes and it is a great pairing.  
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in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Arifiq this past spring I got a totally unexpected eye opening jump in playback performance after going through a number of dacs over the past three years looking to further improve my system .
With the likes of PS Audio senior,  Denafrips Terminator,  Rockna Wavedream and currently the AudioByte Vox .

Like many the focus is on the dac to get that sound you want or experienced by others for some this is intense focus it’s all they talk about  , Well sure a dac is certainly important however this past spring I walked into a dealer to listen to a Innuos server with no intention of buying anything, I just wanted to listen for myself.

The show room dac was MSB with the mid range Wilson speakers the owner without explaining much then plugged in a single box between the server and dac , an all in one box add on that regenerates , re-drives and reclocks the signal to the dac .

 I arranged to take the two Innuos components home and 15 minutes into the first cd I ripped I decided to purchase them . After what it felt like chasing my tail going through dacs it turned out my focus was too much on the dac.

Whatever dac you choose you need to look into these one box marvels , Innuos Phoenix or Ideon’s Master Time , it would be far and away the best 3 grand you’ve spent.

arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,592 posts
 
@in_shore I actually considered the Innuos products, but my system in the study is 'relatively' modest .. I couldn't justify the streamer being the most expensive component in the chain. I ended up buying a Sonore opticalRendu which is amazing! But thank you for the suggestion nevertheless ... I completely agree with you that a good music server and streamer have a huge impact on the overall sound quality. 
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,592 posts
 
Folks, how did you guys order the Audio Mirror DAC? I don't see a shopping cart on the website. I have sent two emails (once via the website and one directly) to the company ... it's been three days and not even an acknowledgment. Not a good sign! I wonder what might happen if something goes wrong and you need to talk to someone at AM to get it fixed. Anyways, I will wait for a couple of more days and then start considering other options mentioned here.
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