MHDT Labs: R-2R NOS Tube DACs

[adydula]

SOLD

 

[SHIMACM]

How are you guys?!

So I have a MHDT Pagoda single with extra tubes including a Tung-Sol 2C51 D-Getter Made in US
LM ERICSSON 396A - Made in Sweden.

I'm thinking of selling it along with the valves.

It is in perfect condition.

Does anyone have any idea how much I can ask for it?

 

[Pharmaboy]

How are you guys?!

So I have a MHDT Pagoda single with extra tubes including a Tung-Sol 2C51 D-Getter Made in US
LM ERICSSON 396A - Made in Sweden.

I'm thinking of selling it along with the valves.

It is in perfect condition.

Does anyone have any idea how much I can ask for it?

I'm researching the Pagoda and finding its retail pricing was all over the place, probably because early models might be single-ended or balanced. But even for the balanced versions, I see retail prices of ~$1,200 to $2,200, which I can't make sense of.

So I think what really matters are your answers to the following questions:

1 - Are you the original owner?

2 - If yes, how old is it?

3 - If yes, what did you pay for it (excluding VAT, taxes, etc)?

4 - Is your Pagoda balanced? (ie, does it have a dual 3-pin XLR output?)

 

[SHIMACM]

I'm researching the Pagoda and finding its retail pricing was all over the place, probably because early models might be single-ended or balanced. But even for the balanced versions, I see retail prices of ~$1,200 to $2,200, which I can't make sense of.

So I think what really matters are your answers to the following questions:

1 - Are you the original owner?

2 - If yes, how old is it?

3 - If yes, what did you pay for it (excluding VAT, taxes, etc)?

4 - Is your Pagoda balanced? (ie, does it have a dual 3-pin XLR output?)

I'm the second owner. It is about 4 years old. It's not the balanced version.

 

[SHIMACM]

I'm the second owner. It is about 4 years old. It's not the balanced version.

 

[Pharmaboy]

I'm the second owner. It is about 4 years old. It's not the balanced version.

OK. I still don't know the retail price of this DAC, but that matters less since you're the 2nd owner.

The usual way to price a thing is to take whatever you paid for it -- and also what you paid for any included NOS tubes -- and drop it by 10%, 20%, whatever seems fair. Understand that you're not likely to get back every penny you paid. If you throw in covering Paypay fees and possibly shipping, that's your calculation.

I've sold a fair amt of stuff here and on USAudioMart over the past 8 years. I rarely price an item even close to what I initially paid, even when I bought it new. Only if the item is in high demand on a used basis, and/or rare, would I try that. Usually I price it less 20% or more from what I paid.

 

[lordcloud]

I would say between $750 - $900

It looks as though the last one sold publicly was in 2022, and listed for $1,100.

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=MHDT+Labs+Pagoda

 

[JotaroKujo]

I'm really enjoying my slightly modded Orchid.

 

[Pharmaboy]

I'm really enjoying my slightly modded Orchid.

How is it modded?

 

[JotaroKujo]

How is it modded?

Just from the Pic

R-Core replaced the Toroidal transformer
AudioNote resistors in the six locations around the tube
Duelund output caps
Jantzen caps at select locations
Upgraded to a single crown Dac chip

Nothing else outside the pic.


J.

 

[Pharmaboy]

Just from the Pic

R-Core replaced the Toroidal transformer
AudioNote resistors in the six locations around the tube
Duelund output caps
Jantzen caps at select locations
Upgraded to a single crown Dac chip

Nothing else outside the pic.


J.

Wow. That's a lot. Did you do it yourself?

 

[JotaroKujo]

Wow. That's a lot. Did you do it yourself?

Yes, I did it myself, but not all at once. I did the output caps and the dac chip some years ago when I purchased it and just recently upgraded everything else within the past few months.

The AudioNote resistors made the biggest difference in sound. Tremendous clarity in vocals and snap in the bass. Everything else was a minor change/improvement.


J.

 

[JotaroKujo]

I would love to see Mhdt sell kit versions like Audio Note Kits.

Some of the digital input circuits can be pre-soldered but things like caps, resistors, diodes could be left for the DIY'er to have fun with...perhaps even add screw mount options for the output caps for easy swapping.

IMO, it would be a win/win for everyone.


J.

 

[internethandle]

Got a pair of Bendix 6385 available in Classifieds if anyone is interested. Willing to separate, OBO:

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds...uper”-military-2c51-equivalent-one-nos.84641/

 

[Amish]

I've had my original Pagoda since before they sold on their website. I'll not ever sell it. Great DAC for sure. I use a Bendix 6385 myself. Of course, I repurchased mine before they got popular. Sheesh $250 is nuts to me.