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Relaxed/Analog sounding DAC for under $10k (used or new)

Hi all. I'm currently using an Allnic D5000 DHT DAC which I got to replace a denafrips Pontus II not too long ago. While I do enjoy this dac, it can sound a bit forward in higher frequencies at times and can get a bit fatiguing. The 3A5 tubes are a bit finicky and don't last especially long either. It seems to sound best with coax input and with native DSD files, but my streamer only has USB output, and I exclusively stream via Qobuz with no DSD albums, so I'm not sure it's the best long term match from a synergy standpoint for me. I get the feeling that it was designed around being used primarily with a CD transport, which is not something I am interested in ever adding to my system.

My primary listening setup is centered around analog vinyl playback, so that tends to be my point of reference. I prefer laid back and musical sound versus striving for absolute detail retrieval that can sometimes come off a bit too clinical or harsh to me.

Going through various threads, some things stick out to me - T+A D200, SW1X, etc. I've also heard some Lampizator DACs that I liked (though mostly their very high end models that are outside my budget). I know typically people recommend R2R for a more 'analog' experience, but I also know that that is not the end-all-be-all with DACs, and implementation and intention matters a fair amount more. There are some DAC manufacturers that design their DACs around being used with CDs and don't care for streaming, so their performance is not optimized for use with streaming, etc.

Please do not turn the thread into a debate about the merits of R2R vs D-S. Not really relevant to me and I am mainly looking to see what ideas people toss at me.

Anyway, as a TL;DR, looking for a DAC that satisfies these points:

1. Leaning more musical/analog sounding, with a focus on laid back sound that is non-fatiguing;
2. wide soundstage and fantastic imaging;
3. Optimized for PCM streaming audio + USB input;
4. Ideally under $10k (new or used);
5. Black chassis option

Thanks!

128x128mmcgill829
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,072 posts
 

Having owned several good dacs and hearing many great dacs at our multi state 

audio club ,having the Denafrips Terminator 2 ,hearing the Brand New 

Terminator 15 was very eye opening it easily surpassed the old model 

and on par or slightly better their their current plus .it sounds very accurate 

but with a Analog detailed but smooth nature and very articulate deep Bass for $6k 

a class leading product. https://www.denafrips.com/terminator

 

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,721 posts
 

we highly recommend the Aqua hifi lascala 8500

 

it ia an r2r dac with a tube output stage 

it handles all formats including Dsd384 and high sample rate Pcm

it has many digital inputs

it is 100% modular and upgradable

it sounds analog like yet has good detail/

 

https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/aqua-la-scala-mk-ii-dac/

https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/aqua/2.html

 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

Aqua hifi dealers

ken6217
27 posts
 

The Dave is pretty much the opposite of relaxing

Post removed 
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,764 posts
 

There are many reasons why you can be experiencing fatigue. The DAC to amp/preamp matching where there’s sn impedance mismatch, interconnects from dac to pre or amp (I’ve experienced fatigue with few cables until I found what matched perfectly), DAC itself can emphasize presence region and annoy you, room acoustics, etc.

Your DAC output impedance is 150 ohms which means the input impedance of your preamp or integrated should be at least 10x that and preferably more. If the amp has low input impedance the balance shifts towards higher frequencies as the bass is reduced. Keep this in mind now and in the future when you select a new DAC. Solid state DACs will typically have lower output impedance and match better with most equipment. Just something to think about

Don’t get too hung up on DACs that sound like vinyl records. They don’t exist. Find a DAC that is better and more evenly balanced top to bottom.
In your price range you can find a used MSB Discrete if you’re patient. Or try Bricasti with severa filter options to relax the presentation a bit.

What are your cables? Brand and model?

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