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

@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.

@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.

Understood! You know what's best for your situation. Congratulations again on acquiring the Audio Mirror Tubadour.

Charles

@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. 

A lot to take in!   I listen to solely R&R, loudly, large room. Current system is Tekton DI's, SVS SB 4000 sub, Audiolab 6000CDT, Benchmark LA-4 Line Amp and a Benchmark DAC3B, Peachtree AMP 500  First and only DAC so far. May try in in a secondary system soon, while looking at another, MAYBE. A lot of GREAT choices and suggestions, Thanks to all.  Just want to share one thought, The Benchmark DAC 3B was a huge difference maker, WOW, just can't describe the audible difference, I could use all the terms, holographic, etc. But a huge difference, so audibly noticeable.  I believe a lot had to do with their line amp (LA-4)   30 day free trial, Made in NY  Very happy!   Robert TN

I really like my Exogal Comet Plus DAC can be used as a pre amp and can control two subs Lots of connection options and designed by the Waldi engineers Cost is $3,500 with separate power supply and l think just under $3,000 without