Which DACs are known to be sweet/rich/relaxed?

First of all, I would like to apologize for not attacking anyone. Personal attacks seem de rigueur around here these days. Maybe the days of cordial conversation are gone?

5% of your CDs sound harsh? That percentage sounds about the right. I suggest you do some research into the titles in question to find the best sounding versions of the offenders (if they exist). Would be a lot cheaper than replacing components.

Even after doing this I have a few titles that are near unlistenable.

What in the world happened with this thread?  It's gone off the rails and straight into orbit.

I use a Bespoke Built Valve Power Supply Regulated/ Valve Output DAC which has undergone Tube Rolling on the Output Valves. It performs in a manner that I am quite impressed with, but I do have a limited experience in such matters.

I have kept my 'ear to the ground' in relation to affordable Valve DAC's that are seeming to be worthy of being looked into further.     

I think the DAC in the Link is worthy of a consideration, this is a Brand and Model not too commonly seen but is very well respected by those who have been introduced to it.

Sirius DAC | Veridian Utopia

Probably more accurate than sweet but said to be superb: EMM DA2 v2 ! https://www.emmlabs.com/da2v2.php

EMM DAC

I want their workingman’s Meitner MA2 ... "only" $10k. Has a streamer (Roon ready) and digital volume control.

patrickdowns,

I think the EMM retails somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000?

FYI: MA2 now replaced by MA3 at list of $10,500.