matp86
100+ Head-Fier
I have not heard the Oolong personally, but recently had a discussion with a user on here and the Oolong came up. A friend of his owns one and he summarized it as MHDT’s attempt to create something that measures well/ is technically impressive. It appears to be a divergence from the typical house sound. I also contacted Jiun about the characteristics vs. the Pagoda and he responded to say the Oolong has “a more balanced and detailed sound”.Has no one here yet heard the Oolong? I have a Havana and an older Orchid. I'm looking to possibly pick up another DAC and had heard good things about the Denafrips Aries II and Pontus II but it sounds like people here have tried them and come back to Mhdt. I actually like the new cabinet aesthetic of the Orchid but do notice it now natively use a 6922 tube. Has anyone here heard the original and current Orchids to compare. I do see the price has dropped from when the new case came out or is that because the tube or chip change? I see it specifies it comes with the S1 chip. did the earlier ones like mine come with the S2? Thanks. David
My interpretation: If you are someone that enjoys Chord offerings/ are a detail head, but looking to dip a toe into R2R, this could be a good transition. Otherwise, the Pagoda or Orchid provide the proper MHDT introduction: the wonderfully organic and euphoric sound revered by all except for the clowns at ASR.
The Ares II is excellent. I am listening to one right now with a Pathos Aurium and TH900- extremely pleasing combination. BUT, I can’t help but miss the Pagoda SE and Pagoda Balanced I regretfully sold years ago. The Ares II is the most forward of the R2R DAC’s I have heard to date, but maintains the smoothness that has been converting audiophiles over the last several years.
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