A DAC that can make digital sound analog?

Not sure I understand this.  You are looking for a transistor set-up that sounds like a non-transistor (tube?) set-up.

Wouldn't that entail having the transistor (DAC) programmed to change the sound of the music so it sounds like something else rather than what it sounds like before introducing (programming-in) these "changes?"

I thought the objective was to reproduce the music as accurately as possible without "changing" it to sound like something it is not.

Sorry to be so confused, but if you like the music played accurately, why buy something that, by definition, introduces electronic modifications to the sound you are hearing?  Seems a bit schizophrenic to me.  Why not just use equipment that reproduces the sound accurately throughout the chain?

Depends, are you looking to cover up the glare or have a great sounding digital front end.  Any CEC transport will help to eliminate glare if you use a transport.  Any DAC can be made to remove glare by upgrading parts quality is specific areas especially power supply.  Also SS vs tube DAC designs.  Some DACs have filter settings such as NOS, etc.  You can filter AC by using filter chokes which can also help.  So IMO it is more of what sound you are looking for, cost, and the design of the DAC.  It is not magic, just implementation.

Happy Listening.

Nope richopp73 

I am looking for a digital front end that is much closer in sound and presentation to a tape or vinyl front end.

Vinyl and tape sound like they are ‘played’ for you. Digital always sounds ‘presented’ or ‘propped up’.  

You have several fine choices: SW1X, Lab 12, and Metrum among them.

These are the 3 DACs I considered:

- Border Patrol SE DAC
- MHDT Pagoda
- Audio Mirror TUBADOUR III
Decided on the Audio Mirror DAC because it’s built around the AD1865 chip which is the foundation of the Audio Note DACs which are very highly regarded. Search online. I also like it that the manufacture is in the US. The Border Patrol looks interesting but I don’t like the limited input options and to get more than one it’s a switchable input (design compromise?) and bumps the price up considerably. The MHDT looks interesting but doesn’t seem to hit the WOW level with people who have tried them. I was looking for something that frames the music similar to my Rega DAC R which is very musical and works across a broad range of music, hoping for something that builds on the parameters of the Rega. The AD 1865 chip sounded like the best path. I like what I hear so far (1 week) but being patient before I form an opinion, sound wise it’s definitely better, musical differences come as it breaks in and over extended listening through exploring my full CD collection.

I don’t think it’s specifically the R2R that makes things special I believe that is the foundation needed to bring out the best in these older chip designs. Research the chips.
Good luck!