R 2R Ladder & Multi Bit Dac

pearsall001
pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
in 2 Channel Audio
I'm still on the hunt for a new DAC. Looking to switch gears & have been looking at a few R2R & Multi Bit from various companies. In particular Schiit Audio, Border Patrol, MHDT Labs, Denafrips, Soekris, just to name a few. Has anyone had any listening experience with a DAC from any of the mentioned companies? If so any comments on your experience. Budget is set at around $1,500.00 Suggestions welcomed.
"2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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Comments

  • Nesmith98
    Nesmith98 Posts: 218
    I'm very happy with my Musical Fidelity M6s DAC.
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  • maxward
    maxward Posts: 1,583
    Check out the review of the Soekris ($980) in the Absolute Sound #311.
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  • JayCee
    JayCee Posts: 1,500
    edited November 2020
    Spoke w/Wally at Underwood several months ago and he was touting a new DAC that was close to production. Bought the rights from someone that was unable to go to market. In typical marketing speak claimed it would hit well above it's price point. I see it's been released and "introductory priced" but don't know anything about it except what I've copied, below. Maybe worth calling Walter to discuss?

    http://www.enjoythemusic.com/news/
    f5mol62h4w3v.png

    "Underwood HiFi & LSA Discovery DPH-1 DAC/Preamp/Headamp
    As the first within a series of new budget-class products, Underwood HiFi and LSA Discovery DPH-1 DAC, preamplifier, and headamp ($799) brings great versatility at an attractive price. A full-featured Hi-Res Audio DAC is mated with a remote controlled preamplifier and low-noise headphone amplifier. An XMOS asynchronous USB input is part of four digital inputs using the AKM AK4118 digital input receiver and AK 4495 DAC. It decodes PCM to 24-bit/192kHz as well as DSD. Full-featured preamplifier control center is complete with a rotary encoder volume control and has both vacuum tube and solid-state unbalanced RCA outputs. The tube buffer stage is based on a GE NOS tube. Both outputs can even be run simultaneously into an amplifier or line-in enabled integrated amp to give you both solid state and tube sonics. The LSA Discovery DPH-1 will be followed up shortly with a Peter Madnick designed MM/MC phono stage, then followed by a Volumio-powered music streamer, and amplifier."

    Black Friday deal from the mailinglist:

    https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-electronics
    "LSA DPH-1 hybrid DAC with preamp and headphone amp offers superb value
    Use it as a great DAC only or Preamp with DAC & headphone amp
    Save $200.00 & get $600.00 of free cables with purchase

    In the first review in Tone audio they say:
    "Add it all up and LSAs DPH-1 is a fantastic DAC/Headphone amp. If I didn’t spin records, I could easily live with it as my main two-channel preamp and build a great system around it featuring speakers. It ticks all the boxes – easy to use, reasonable price, and sounds fantastic. What else do you need?"
    Read the entire review: https://www.tonepublications.com/review/lsa-dph-1-headphone-amplifier/

    DPH-1 is our Discovery line digital preamp/DAC and quality headphone amplifier. It may be inexpensive but it competes at well above its cost. It is a hi value remote controlled preamplifier with 24 bit/192k DAC and high quality headphone amplifier. We use the exceptional AKM 4495 DAC that is sonically one of our favorites. It uses an AKM AK 4118 digital input receiver. It has both tube and solid state single ended outputs. It features 4 digital inputs. The tube buffer stage is based on an NOS tube from General Electric. This is the type of high value product that Discovery is all about. It uses a Rotary Encoder volume control, an R-core power supply, audiophile grade caps from WIMA of Germany, Solen from France and Dale resistors from the USA as well as gold plated connectors. There is separate power supply rectification for the analog and digital circuitry The included remote control handles input select, volume up and down and mute.

    Internet Direct List $999.00
    Sale $799.00 delivered
    Free $400.00 Gold Power cord and $200.00 Silver interconnects with purchase"
    ➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods) ➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS Audio BHK Signature & 250, DirectStream ➂Cables/IC's: MIT S1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced +Avel Lindberg 1000VA "Dreadnought" ➃Power Conditioner: PS Audio P15 Power Plant ➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH Labs Power Plus DIY w/Neotech NC-P301 & P311ends ➅Streaming: Roon ROCK on wifi'd NUC, TP-Link WAP, & Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark, Emperor Double Crown Clock, Black Modernize LPS, PS Audio AirLens⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    Thanks for recommendations so far guys. I'll definitely check out the DAC's mentioned.
    Although the Chord Qutest keeps popping up in my head from way back.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    Lots of good press on the Denafrips stuff.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    I’m very interested to see what you end up with. In the spring I will be exploring the r2r route. My budget will probably be half of yours. I’ll probably end up with a Denafrips Ares II. That company seems to get great reviews everywhere.
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    Still on the hunt but I am swaying more & more to the Chord Qutest. It pretty much check's off all the boxes on my list. I found a local dealer that offers an in home demo.

    That's been the sticky point with a lot of the other DAC's not having the option of an in home demo. Other than buying on line with a return policy that I don't find appealing. And the vast majority of DAC's that's not even an option. I just don't buying without getting my ears on it first.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    I ordered the Border Patrol SE-i DAC. Should be here in about 2 weeks. I'm looking forward to it!!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    Congrats!! I have read a lot of good on this dac.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,953
    Nice simple design:

    202006102317576600.jpg
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  • machone
    machone Posts: 1,510
    Mojo Audio makes great R2R dacs. You can buy a used one in your budget.
    Mojo-audio.com
    Mojo Audio Illuminati v3>>Quantum Byte w/LMS>>Rpi/PiCoreplayer>> Starlight 7 USB >> Mojo Audio Mystique v2 SE>>ModWright SWL 9.0 SE Signature>>Hafler DH-500 Amp+ (Musical Concepts Fully Modded)>>
    SRS 2.3TL (Fully Modded)...Velodyne Optimum 8 subwoofer
    1KVA Dreadnought

    Marantz SA 8005
    Pioneer PLX-1000 Turntable - Shure SC35C/N35X - V15III/VN35HE
    Yamaha TX-540 Tuner...Sony BDP-S570
    Sony PS4

    Separate subpanel with four dedicated 20 amp circuits.
    1. Amplification 2. Analog 3. Digital 4. Video

    "All THAT IS LOST FROM THE SOURCE IS LOST FOREVER"
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Nice simple design:

    202006102317576600.jpg

    Thanks for the pic, now I know how Gary earned his rep for his power supply designs for his gear.
    He is a firm believer that the power supply will make or break the overall performance.
    He really doesn't care for the switch mode or wall wart designs and is all in for the linear power supply designs.

    Is that unit in for you're review?
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,953
    No, but it's been covered several times on the site:

    https://theaudiobeatnik.com/review-borderpatrol-se-i-dac/

    https://theaudiobeatnik.com/reviewing-the-innuos-zenmini-mk3-and-lpsu-with-borderpatrol-dac/

    https://theaudiobeatnik.com/borderpatrol-dac-se-usb-spdif-review-something-special-for-digital-audio-playback/
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    Clipdat wrote: »
    No, but it's been covered several times on the site:

    https://theaudiobeatnik.com/review-borderpatrol-se-i-dac/

    https://theaudiobeatnik.com/reviewing-the-innuos-zenmini-mk3-and-lpsu-with-borderpatrol-dac/

    https://theaudiobeatnik.com/borderpatrol-dac-se-usb-spdif-review-something-special-for-digital-audio-playback/

    Thanks for the info but I've read all the reviews I could find on the DAC include all the above.

    All the positive reviews really piqued my interest & was the deciding factor on placing my order.

    Gary is now an authorized dealer for the Innuos line of streamers.

    About a week to go for delivery!
    Getting excited!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,953
    Very much looking forward to hearing your impressions.
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,373
    I see a tube rectifier in the picture of this dac, but no tube buffer, kind of a different design but pretty neat none the less.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,092
    Yes, the EZ80 tube rectifier is in the power supply, not the audio signal. I believe this design is rare when it comes to DAC's. I am really curious to hear the results. From what I can gather his power supplies are over the top in all of his designs.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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