Smooth sounding DAC?

Jolida JD-100 is a shoe-in for this type sonic character. It is warm, reasonably dynamic, and with very good presence (immediacy). The soundstage is slightly larger, slightly diffuse and slightly less 3-dimensional in comparison to a Musical Fidelity Trivista 21 that I just recently tried in my home but, once the disc starts spinning it's strengths far overshadow any weaknesses - the Jolida is very musical and immenently enjoyable. And, it is not very expensive.

What's your budget? I'm partial to the Audio Note balanced DACs for the qualities you mention. Any of the 2.1x, 3.1x and 4.1x Balanced models ought to make you a happy camper.

I would second the Audio Note DACs. I would also look into Kora Hermes, which is wonderfully smooth and at the same time vibrant and alive. If you're budget doesn't go that high then Bel Canto Dac 2 could be worth checking out.

Audio Note, also, is my suggestion: not just natural, but wonderfully detailed and rhythmic.

Digital reproduction which is not shamed by good analog.

Be sure and give a look at the TubeDac+ at Scott Nixon's site. I also went with the Jolida, but if you stay with a SS CDP - the TubDac+ might be your best bet - plus it's a great buy!

http://www.scott-nixon.com/dac.htm