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Looking for recommendations for a 'warm' sounding DAC

Would anyone know of a warm sounding DAC, budget to £2500/$3000 new or used. My ears don’t like a crisp and clinical sound, I find that Chord/dcs/Topping sound painful if loud. I know many love those crisp leading edges that these deliver but that sound does not synergise with my amp/speakers nor my sensitive ears. I know the easiest way to achieve this would be to switch speakers to a mellow speaker but this option is not available.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
128x128duckworp
choiceaudio's avatar
choiceaudio
59 posts
 
It's just a tiny bit above your price point, but the DACs made by Aqua are very, very musical.  Not quite on the warm side, but detailed. Huge open room filling soundstage with out the digital harness that I think you are trying to get away from by saying "warm"

I find them to sound very close to a good vinyl rig and on parr with some of the most expensive DACs on the market. 


why0why
70 posts
 
Another vote for the Orchid.  Only $1100 new and you can roll tubes to get a different sound.
maurice1937's avatar
maurice1937
36 posts
 
Go for a Tubadour 3  ... Upgraded, if you can stretch the finances
You will not be disappointed. 
I have owned DAC's at four and five times the price of a Tubadour
and turned them in
My Tubadour is matched with a Tube Amp. 

shakira
149 posts
 
Try Mojo Audio Mystique V2 Plus Dac
it is an R2R Ladder Dac.
under 1500.00 on the used market 
gcp
37 posts
 
Understand exactly. More affordable than excellent Audio Note and far better than Border Patrol look no further than NOS or used bel canto design DAC3.7 and above. I am able to go between it and vinyl not only without distress but with enjoyment 24/7. Use their Ref level cables or better.  
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