Excellent new Paradisea+ DAC review @ Positive-Feedback.com

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.)

Been waiting for more info and closure before updating the uber club thread bro.

Was talking with the DAC designer most of last night via email and he was stoked to find that my current DAC was among the first they built.

It has 2.2uf output caps where most other models have 1.5uf or 2.0uf main output caps (he seems a bit insecure that the larger caps produce too much bass ... but honestly ... I find it perfect and not at all unnatural; then again, the RS1's are not bass monsters by any stretch).

It also has a seldom used OPAMP which he said was the giveaway that it was some of their earlier work.

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Totally curious to see if the 4562 opamp rubs me the wrong or right way.

I'll be posting here (and at the uber 37173 club thread!) in a few weeks.

( BTW: Our computers are faster than yours. )

(When you getting your SLAM!, mang? Hit me back at OCN)

Yo sir.

Yes. All new Paradisea DACs ship with a socketed OPAMP.

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Regarding custom requests ...

I'm planning on asking if they can provide a 2.2uf output cap instead of the usual 2.0uf as I simply LOVE the bass performance of the current, albiet older, paradisea that I have here at my house (which features the larger, more bassy 2.2uf caps).

Again, he claims the 2.2uf caps were not used much, so whether I can get them with the new DAC or not is anybodies guess.

Really though ... I can't see how 2.0 vs. 2.2 caps would make much of a difference.

That minor .02 difference probably won't translate in to much sonic differentiation I dont' think.

Which is why I'm ordering the new version this week.

Gotta do some serious A/B listening.

Either way ...

I'm pleased to say that I'm going to be selling one or the other once all the listening tests are done.

Somebody will end up with a hella-fun DAC out of this deal.



(of course, I'll start at OCN with some club member discounts)