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Is there such thing as a "vocal" forward DAC?

My system right now is an iFi Zen Stream, Schiit Modius, Schiit Freya + & DAC x-Cherry 2 powering Spatial Audio M3 Triode Masters.

I'm quite happy with it but the M3TM are known for a more relaxed vocal, maybe even rolled off highs which makes the vocals at times sound like they are farther back in the soundstage, behind the drums even and I don't like that at all. The highs in fact are fine for my ears but the vocals bothers me.

Before I start down the road of replacing these I was wondering if there is a DAC that is considered a vocal forward type sound, I know it might not be enough to make a huge change but any change is good right now for my setup.  I'm not a neutral/flat critic and in fact like a more "flavored" styled sound.

Is there such a thing or am I asking too much of a DAC?
blkwrxwgn
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
metrum octave is one, rather ’midrange-forward’ in tonal balance

https://darko.audio/2011/09/metrum-nos-mini-dac-octave-first-impressions/

appears used periodically
chayro
2,964 posts
 
Honestly - I think you're moving too fast.  You just got the Freya.  Listen to it for a couple of weeks and see what it can do and what it can't and then fool around with it if you want.  Every new piece of gear has a different presentation and IMO, you need to get used to it before making decisions about what to change.  I've seen people here asking about what tubes they should put in tube amps they haven't even gotten yet.  Just relax and take your time. I mark my calendar for a month after any system change and I try not to form an opinion until I've really listened to it and my aural memory of what I had before is gone.  Good luck. 
azwill
96 posts
 
I agree with chayro.   Room acoustic treatments, even quite modest ones can very much impact presentation and perception of image depth.  You may also find experimenting with existing power cord and cable swaps with existing equipment to be rewarding, but do suggest getting more run hours on the new piece first.    Isolation feet, their placement and number also can be rewarding, and you do not need to spend excessive dollars to realize benefits there.  
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tomcy6
2,574 posts
 
JJ tubes are generally considered to be poor quality, although I'm sure they work fine in some applications.  I don't know what tube type you're using (12AU7, 6922, etc.), but Amperex  from the Heerlen factory have a reputation for being special in the midrange (vocals).
blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 
chayro, I think that's good advice.  A lot of changes have happened to my system in the past few months and I think I need to let things settle a bit.  I am going to roll some tubes though, after researching a bit, these JJ's can do exactly what I'm noticing.  
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