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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
mr_m
1,900 posts
 

@lous,

 

The name of the company in question is"Denafrips"

lous's avatar
lous
196 posts
 

mr-m,

 

Thanks, I like to forget that name for some reason, so much so that I am no longer aware that I have done it...

rwwear
2,847 posts
 

I would look at the Holo Audio DACs. They are ladder DACs like the Denafrips but have remote control and displays. They get great reviews.

 

stuartk
2,334 posts
 

@terrapin77:

Given your desire for "musicality", the Aqua could very well be to your liking BUT be aware that the S2 and S3 versions reputedly sound quite different!  I have not heard both but the consensus seems to be that the S3 is brighter and more "lively" -- not as overtly "warm" as the S2. 

The fact that you have a tube pre-amp might favor the S3-- the S2 might be "too much of a good thing"-- but you will only know by listening. 

 

stuartk
2,334 posts
 

I own the S2 and for awhile, came close to selling it, due to an annoying "cloudiness" I heard in the system's lower mids/upper bass region.

Another A'gon member had asserted this was typical of the S2. However, when I upgraded my integrated, this "cloudiness" went away. 

I simply mention this to underscore that every component makes a difference and that the same DAC in different systems may present quite differently.

Another reason to try before you buy! 

 

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