Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Very detailed, open, and neutral sound with great clarity and clean background, improving balance considerably
  • Employs high-quality components including the AKM Velvetsound Verita 4499EXEQ DAC chip and AK4191EQ delta-sigma modulator, resulting in crisp and detailed sound
  • Provides excellent dynamics and separation of instruments
  • Represents a solid value, and the price-to-performance ratio is hard to beat
  • Offers versatile functionality as both a streamer and a standalone DAC with SPDIF input, and can function as a pre-amp

Product Considerations

  • Utilitarian, DIY industrial design and barebones presentation may not appeal to everyone
  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi, relying on a wired Ethernet connection for optimal performance
  • Requires careful selection of desired features (like outputs) during purchase, as all options cannot be accommodated simultaneously due to space limitations
  • Volume control is only manual via the volume knob when using the SPDIF input
  • Lacks features like a dedicated app, a screen, or a remote control

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • PecanPi+ retrieves more details and offers better tone texture than the Topping E70 Velvet, making the E70 Velvet sound slightly veiled in comparison
  • PecanPi+ sounds crisper and more focused than the SMSL SU10, while the SU10 projects a wider soundstage with a warmer tonality
  • RME ADI-2 DAC FS has a nicer package with display, remote, EQ settings, and more I/O, but PecanPi+ is a streamer, and the sound quality is very similar
  • Gustard A26 has a bigger soundstage, better dynamics, and a more premium build—but is noticeably pricier
  • The Plus version is more transparent, incisive and revealing than the Original PecanPi
  • Both devices have similar price but different set of features, and the PecanPi+ has an edge when it comes to sheer resolution compared to the EverSolo DMP-A6

Takeaway: The PecanPi+ is a high-performing, versatile streamer/DAC that focuses on delivering exceptional sound quality. Its clean, neutral sound and high-quality components make it a great option for those prioritizing audio fidelity, especially given its good value.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

PecanPi+ Premium

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Size: 12.2" (31cm) x 7.5" (19cm) x 3.7" (9.4cm)
  • Weight: 10 lbs
  • DAC Chip: AK4499EXEQ
  • Display: 5" Touchscreen
  • Power Supply: 9V 2.5A
Precision-engineered to deliver an exquisite audio experience, the PecanPi+ Streamer Premium transforms your listening space into a sonic haven. Designed using the switched resistor flagship DAC chip (AK4499EXEQ) from AKM, this streamer ensures a level of detail and clarity that transcends expectations, capturing every nuance of your favorite music with astonishing detail.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Orchard Audio prioritizes a minimalist design philosophy, focusing on essential features and high-quality components rather than superfluous aesthetics or connectivity options.
  • They utilize cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors in their Class D amplifier designs, enabling high power output, exceptional efficiency (cool running), and remarkably wide bandwidth with minimal phase shift.
  • The brand emphasizes a "transparent" and "neutral" sonic signature, aiming to reproduce music accurately without adding coloration, allowing the characteristics of the source and speakers to shine through.
  • A key differentiator is their direct-to-consumer sales model, coupled with modular designs and repairable/upgradeable components, offering high-end audio performance at a more accessible price point than many established brands.

Starkrimson Mono Premium

  • Positioning: The entry-level high-performance monoblock amplifier in the lineup.
  • Description: Offers excellent sound quality with its gallium nitride (GaN) technology, providing clear and distortion-free audio. It is ideal for those with a smaller budget who still want high-quality sound, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. Compared to the Ultra models, it has a lower power output of 150W.

Starkrimson 150W

  • Positioning: A versatile mid-range option in the lineup, offering both dual and triple mono configurations.
  • Description: This series stands out with its flexibility, allowing users to choose between dual or triple mono setups, which is great for custom audio configurations. It shares the same GaN technology as the Mono Premium but offers more configuration options. While it provides similar power output to the Mono Premium, its versatility makes it more appealing for users with specific system compatibility needs.

Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium

  • Positioning: A high-end monoblock amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking superior performance.
  • Description: This model uses advanced GaN technology, delivering exceptional clarity and dynamic range. It offers a significant power increase with 250W into 8 ohms, which is more than the Mono Premium, making it suitable for larger rooms or more demanding speakers.

Starkrimson Ultra 500W

  • Positioning: The flagship model in the lineup, offering the highest power and performance.
  • Description: This groundbreaking amplifier is a powerhouse, providing 500W per channel, making it ideal for large spaces and high-demand audio systems. It features state-of-the-art GaN technology, ensuring unparalleled sound quality and efficiency. Compared to other models, its superior power output and advanced features justify its premium price.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
1
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Brand Popularity
220
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
2017

Our take on the brand

Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Orchard Audio

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Laiv
Harmony DAC
2700
2700
/
11
Reviews
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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Product Strengths

  • Exemplary build quality, with a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum and high-quality components.
  • Delivers a large soundstage with very good imaging and detail.
  • Produces a harmonically rich presentation that R2R enthusiasts seek.
  • The unboxing experience is premium, with a metal certificate of authenticity and a remote control made from solid metal.

Product Considerations

  • The high output impedance (1200 ohms on XLR) might cause issues when pairing with amplifiers that have unusually low input impedance.
  • Optical and coaxial inputs might not deliver the same performance as USB and I2S inputs.
  • It is DAC-only unit, so it does not have preamp functionality or volume control.
  • Spiked feet could scratch surfaces.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Denafrips Ares II: The Harmony DAC has more instrument separation and a little bit more detail through USB or I2S.
  • Vs Gustard R26: The Harmony DAC is fuller in the bass and lower mid-range with a warmer presentation and wider soundstage through USB or I2S.
  • Vs Denafrips Venus II: The Venus sounds bigger with more tangibility to where performers reside and more space between them.
  • Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Harmony DAC shares similarities but is slightly more resolving and realistic.
  • Vs SMSL Raw Pro: The Harmony DAC is more enjoyable to listen to overall, although the Raw Pro is more detailed.
  • Vs HIFIMAN EF400 and EF500: The Harmony DAC is an upgrade in detail retrieval, staging, and treble quality.

Takeaway: The Harmony DAC stands out with its build, engaging sound, and focus on providing a high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Its ability to create a large soundstage and deliver rich detail makes it a solid option for audiophiles looking for an immersive listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Sonnet
Morpheus
3237
3237
/
6
Reviews
Sonnet Audio is known for their unique R-2R ladder DAC design that splits 24-bit signals into two 12-bit streams processed by separate resistor networks, and their DACs feature volume control through reference voltage adjustment rather than digital potentiometers. Their products, including the Morpheus and Pasithea DACs, use a modular design with upgradeable components and emphasize non-oversampling techniques for natural sound reproduction.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Musical and natural sound, avoiding harshness or fatigue
  • High linearity and a realistic 24-bit dynamic range
  • Bit-perfect volume control by varying reference voltage directly from the DAC chips
  • Roon Ready, easy to set up and use

Product Considerations

  • Does not support DSD playback
  • The I2S input uses an RJ45 connector, not the more common HDMI, limiting cable compatibility
  • Some reviewers would like a sample rate/bit depth display on the front panel
  • Direct-to-amp usage might not sound as good as using a separate preamplifier, depending on the system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Morpheus offers performance equal to Metrum Acoustics Adagio/Pavane without the heavy casing
  • Morpheus is better than Metrum Acoustics Onyx or Jade, with more options, expansions, and better build
  • Morpheus offers greater apparent resolution and a broader dynamic range than Totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer
  • Morpheus is better than Denafrips Pontus with soundstage, timbre, tones, and attack, and no listening fatigue on the Sonnet
  • Hermes and I2S was simply much better in every way than Primare Prisma NP5 Network Player, where music sounded paler, softer, and less exciting

Takeaway: The Morpheus DAC is a great option for audiophiles seeking accurate, natural, and musically pleasing sound. Sonnet designs deliver high quality sound and could convert even the most stubborn digital skeptics.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonnet Audio is known for their unique R-2R ladder DAC design that splits 24-bit signals into two 12-bit streams processed by separate resistor networks, and their DACs feature volume control through reference voltage adjustment rather than digital potentiometers. Their products, including the Morpheus and Pasithea DACs, use a modular design with upgradeable components and emphasize non-oversampling techniques for natural sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Linear Tube Audio, 1 More
Aero
3950
3950
/
6
Reviews
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Natural and engaging sound, praised for its 'non-digital digital sound' and ability to connect the listener to the music's emotive power
  • Richness and fullness to the sound, achieving a balance between not being overly warm or rich nor clinical or sterile, offering a natural tonality
  • Wide and deep soundstage with precise instrument placement, creating spatial dimensions comparable to higher-priced DACs
  • Dynamically lively and snappy, handling complex musical passages without sounding overwhelmed
  • High-quality internal parts, robust build quality, and elegant appearance

Product Considerations

  • Lacks some of the detail retrieval and resolution compared to other DACs, meaning it may not deliver the same level of micro-textures
  • PCM only up to 192k sampling rate, so there is no DSD support
  • Some reviewers wished for I squared S and also AESEBU, the XLR input

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Mola Mola Tembaki, the Tembaki gave more high-frequency air, clarity and better portrayed the acoustics of the recording venue, but the Aero sounded more humid, with more weight and richness
  • Vs Border Patrol DAC, the Aero is more transparent and pure
  • Vs Laiv Harmony DAC, the Aero slots in between with a more pleasing and engaging balance between color and resolution

Takeaway: The Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC offers a natural, engaging, and enjoyable listening experience with great soundstage. It brings musical enjoyment for those who prioritize tonality and timbrel accuracy.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

AURALiC
Altair G2.1
2439
/
Released
2021
ALTAIR G2.1, an all-encompassing digital and analog source component, provides abundant capabilities to the performance-oriented G2.1 Series. Combining every function available from AURALiC into the ultra-quiet G2.1 chassis, ALTAIR G2.1 is perfect for the most demanding music lover. Whether it's a high-res title from an online streaming service, a file on a NAS drive, or an LP on a turntable, ALTAIR G2.1 will deliver exquisitely rendered, dynamic music, from almost any source.
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AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Solid digital sound, good authority, solid bass, and a weighty sound with good scale
  • Excellent clarity, very good timing, and a very good soundstage
  • Outstanding build quality—solidly made and near indestructible
  • Versatile unit that can become the hub of the digital audio world
  • Clean and effortless digital processing
  • Connectivity options

Product Considerations

  • The Lightning DS app is only available for iOS
  • The 4-inch non-touch screen is adequate, but not exceptional
  • When written instructions feature on the screen, the words can be small and difficult to see
  • The alphabetical order of the albums is not followed when used with an external hard drive
  • Some reviewers felt a need for a high-end turntable setup, as the analog input feeds directly to the analog output stage—bypassing the digital stage altogether

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs NAD M10 V2: The Altair offers a step up in sound quality
  • Vs AURALiC Aries G1: The Altair G2.1 chassis is a significant upgrade with an internal copper sub-chassis, tuned feet, and a solid steel base

Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.1 is a versatile and well-built streaming DAC preamplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound. Comprehensive features and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AURALiC is a hifi audio brand focusing on streaming audio sources with user-friendly interfaces. The company uses its proprietary Lightning DS music playing app to provide easy integration and customization of your music library.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Gustard
DAC-R26
1649
/
Released
2022
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Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Natural and organic timbre with rich and vibrant overtones, offering a remarkable sense of realism
  • Stands out as a highly musical DAC within its category, while maintaining an impressively competitive level of technical performance
  • Exceptional build quality, made of thick aluminum, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance
  • Almost inaudible noise floor, remaining dead silent and free from any hint of distortion
  • Wide range of digital inputs, and an integrated streamer, offering versatility and convenience

Product Considerations

  • The LCD screen can be difficult to read from a distance greater than 20-30 cm
  • The embedded streamer can experience occasional interruptions and buffering issues when streaming high-resolution files
  • Some reviewers experienced small hiccups when skipping songs using the internal streamer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Chord Qutest: Has a bigger soundstage, equally sweet highs, much fuller tone timbre and a more muscly bassline—sounding more lifelike
  • Vs Ladder Schumann: Gustard R26 hits with more clarity and speed, with a darker background, and an even deeper soundstage

Takeaway: The Gustard DAC-R26 is a musical and technically impressive DAC with excellent build quality and versatile features, including a streamer, making it a great choice for a top-notch audio experience. The natural sound and engaging performance create a lasting impression.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Border Patrol
DAC Se-i USB
1400
/
Released
Now better than ever, the latest version of the BorderPatrol SE-i DAC features several significant revisions and refinements that further enhance its musicality and listenability. The minimalist, non-oversampling R-2R DAC chip remains, but is now mounted on a new BorderPatrol-designed DAC circuit board that uses through-hole resistors, capacitors, and DAC chip in place of the surface mount parts on the previous board. The tube/solid-state hybrid choke input filter power supply now features a custom-made, oversized, R-core power transformer in place of the previous E-I/toroid transformer arrangement.
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BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The Border Patrol SE-i DAC brings the music naturally, organically, with great coherence and resolution
  • It excels in the midrange
  • The soundstage is quite large and can be vast, synergy providing
  • There is a natural musicality and an organic quality to the music
  • This DAC will give the music lover some of the finest reproduction qualities that may be experienced in a digital-to-analog converter

Product Considerations

  • It will not play the various high-resolution formats or DSD or DXD or anything above 24/96kHz
  • It only converts PCM (pulse code modulation) digital at sampling frequencies of 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, and 96K
  • If one is looking for extreme sonic range, it's best to move on from here
  • Synergy with equipment is important to get the best sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Audio Note CD3.1x/2: The Border Patrol may be a touch more accurate in its midrange response than Audio Note, but this was also highly dependent on the program sources employed
  • Vs Prism Sound Callia: The Border Patrol equals the Callia in every way, but its presentation gives out a touch more softness with a little more naturalness in its fundamental tonality and harmonic presentation
  • Vs Wyred 4 Sound's 10th Anniversary DAC: The main differences alongside the Border Patrol would be a touch more upper-frequency lift in comparison, whereas the Border Patrol still exudes a more romantic—slightly smoother—sound presentation

Takeaway: The Border Patrol SE-i DAC is great at making music sound natural and draws the listener into the music. It could be perfect for those who enjoy a natural sound and do not need to play super high-resolution files.

Video review

Our take on the brand

BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Holo Audio
Spring 3
2198
/
Released
2021
The Spring3 DAC is a full discrete R2R type of audio decoder that does not use off the shelf-DAC chips. This is a bespoke custom-designed core DAC module and represents a breakthrough in DAC technology, featuring trickle down technology from the Flagship May DAC. The Spring3 achieves new heights, new dynamics and delivers a full spectrum of audio to please the aural senses.
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Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Drop-dead gorgeous design aesthetic
  • Music comes alive, offering a real taste of what reference-quality digital audio can sound like
  • Reproduces layers of detail and offers a warm tonal balance, low noise floor, and superb top-to-bottom coherency
  • Soundstage is recreated with excellent depth and width, and the imaging is spot on, with musicians and instruments locked firmly in place
  • Connected to the Unison Research Triode 25 Integrated Amplifier and Linear Tube Audio MZ3, it was one of the best sounding DAC/amplifier combinations heard in many years, undeniably captivating

Product Considerations

  • The display seems half-baked with non-functional bands restricting the functional real estate
  • The remote makes a rattling noise, which some may find disconcerting initially, but is by design
  • Outputs are extremely hot
  • May be overhyped, the sound quality not quite matching up to the hype, or more importantly, matching up to the price tag

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SMSL VMV-D1SE: The Spring 3 has better refinement and more of that airy quality on top
  • Vs Denafrips Pontus 2: The Spring 3 was a little cleaner in the mid-range, with better bass definition and control, but the Denafrips had a warmer—more full-bodied—presentation and deeper soundstage

Takeaway: The Spring 3 KTE is a beautiful DAC that can bring listeners closer to their music. It may be worth buying to experience high-quality digital audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Border Patrol
DAC SE-i USB+SPDIF
1875
/
Released
Now better than ever, the latest version of the BorderPatrol SE-i DAC features several significant revisions and refinements that further enhance its musicality and listenability. The minimalist, non-oversampling R-2R DAC chip remains, but is now mounted on a new BorderPatrol-designed DAC circuit board that uses through-hole resistors, capacitors, and DAC chip in place of the surface mount parts on the previous board. The tube/solid-state hybrid choke input filter power supply now features a custom-made, oversized, R-core power transformer in place of the previous E-I/toroid transformer arrangement.
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BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Natural, sweet, open and organic sound, not typically associated with digital audio
  • Employs an R2R DAC chip (Phillips TDA1543) with no over-sampling or digital filtering
  • Features a hybrid tube/solid-state choke input filter power supply, with a tube rectifier
  • Compact and well-built with a copper chassis
  • Excels in midrange reproduction

Product Considerations

  • Does not support DSD, or PCM files at resolutions higher than 24/96
  • May require powerful tube amplification to perform optimally
  • Its sonic character leans towards warmth and softness, which might not suit all preferences

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs 47 Labs Midnight Blue CD player, the BorderPatrol DAC has deeper and tighter bass and is more refined in the midrange and top-end with better scale and dynamics
  • Vs Aesthetix Romulus DAC and CD Transport (as transport), the BorderPatrol DAC's top-end and midrange opened up and were more transparent
  • Vs Electrocompaniet USB DAC, the BorderPatrol DAC is better
  • Vs California Audio Labs Icon Mk II coupled with the Audio Note DAC 1, the BorderPatrol brought the reviewer back to the sound of the CAL/Audio Note combo

Takeaway: The BorderPatrol DAC SE-i is a unique DAC that prioritizes a natural and musical sound, foregoing support for the latest high-resolution formats in favor of a purist design. If musicality and an engaging listening experience are valued, this DAC is worth considering.

Video review

Our take on the brand

BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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