Paradisea owners

I've seen a few Paradiseas for sale stepping up to the Havana. My friend made that upgrade and I'm pretty sure he felt the Havana was a nice improvement but haven't heard them together myself. Right in your price range. You may also want to check into the April Music DAC which is just a bit over $1k as I recall. Per Tvad's note, the April Music is solid state while the Havana had a tube in the output path.

Thanks for your responses. My question was intentionally open-ended, but obviously a little too much. I'm just curious if there's anything worth checking out in the 1k price range that betters the Paradisea. I've been happy with mine, but can't help wonder what else is out there. What I've read about the PS Audio DLink interests me, but whether it's an improvement over the Paradisea is debatable. I'm sure it sounds different. I'm definitely into a relaxed natural sound. I realize the only way to know if I like something is to get it into my system, but I need some ideas to experiment with.

Depending on the input impedance of your preamp, a solid state DAC may have more extended, and better defined bass and treble versus the tubed Paradisea.

Some may interpret this as sounding better. Would you?

If you are seeking a more relaxed sound, then likely a tubed DAC will be a better fit for your preferences. With some preamps, a tubed DAC will have slightly rolled off, less defined bass and treble, which will result in a relaxed, "natural" sound.

The term, natural, is open to interpretation. One person's natural will be another person's colored (and unnatural).

Synergy is the only sure bet.Like you say PS audio,maybe Wavelength for a grand also to try.Plus the resale is phenomenal[sp] on those 2 units,good luck,Bob

I've been happy with mine, but can't help wonder what else is out there.

This is where it all begins....

God help you...or budha...or Allah...somebody, help poor Mingles!