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A DAC that can make digital sound analog?

Hi All,

I have a ModWright Oppo 105D. It’s excellent....but it sure don’t sound like vinyl or tape.

What DACs have you heard that really work like magic on digital audio files? 

I am interested in DACs that kill that digital glare/blare, that gives you that sense of ‘blackness’ or ‘darkness’ to the audio soundscape, really letting you hear into the mix...ya know that layering, space and depth that is very evident on tape.

Very curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!
128x128brettmcee
bar81
791 posts
 
@lalitk
Emm Labs DA2 is one such DAC that can END your quest.
Not if your goal is for digital to sound like vinyl.  The DA2 is a SOTA DAC that makes music sound like music.  But it certainly doesn't sound anything like vinyl or else I wouldn't own it as I can't stand the vinyl sound.
n80
2,116 posts
 
Not sure if this has been mentioned but the writer in this article finds that the Audio Research CD9’s DAC creates analog-like sound, even compares it to vinyl. Not sure if the DAC can be used separate from the transport.

(Edit: It can and even has a USB input.)

I’m also guessing it costs a fortune.

(Edit: It does. $13,000.)
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
Why would you want a analog sound ? What is the benefit . Analog should be striving for a digital sound these days . 
n80
2,116 posts
 
“The Heart wants what it wants - or else it does not care”

Emily Dickinson
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
brettmcee
  A DAC that can make digital sound analog?

This was an interesting shootout, and the winner, also the most analogue and smooth sounding. Was the oldest one, a Theta DS Pro an old PCM63 R2R based dac.
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/4-dac-shootout-low-to-high-end.3049/

Cheers George

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