Here's the review at Positive-Feedback.
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The best thing head-fi I've done thus far in my sonic journey has been to purchase a used, early version (non-usb) Paradisea tube DAC from MrLa, here at head-fi.
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I listen nearly 100% from a computer based transport and the sonic upgrade provided by the Paradisea was just unbelievable when sat next to my former X-fi Elite Pro/Practical Devices XM4 setup.
Just not even fathomable at first.
Anyway ... I've since contacted the DAC designer and ordered a newer, version 2.0 USB model of the Paradisea.
Just curious to A/B it against my older model (which the designer says is notably warmer/richer/darker since it uses a 2604AU OPAMP where the newer models use the more resolved/detailed LM4562 OPAMP.
The new version comes with a socketed OPAMP, which is also a factor in my decision to purchase the new model (as well as a very respectable discount from MHDT Labs, for whatever reason).
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Anway ...
Regarding the above linked Paradisea review ... I pesonally think it is very accurate.
I agree with everything the reviewer says
except his not liking the very pronounced and up front bass impact.
That particular quality, though perhaps not perfect with his speaker based, high-fi system ... is nonetheless *PERFECT* with my Stello HP100 and Grado RS1's. Such a smooth and fatigue free synergy with this combination of gear!:
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Enjoy.
(BTW: I'll have either my older version Paradisea or the newer version up for sale within a month or two; gonna keep the one that suits my system the best and sell the other. FYI.)
