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Relaxed, musical DAC around 2k used?

I tend to differ from many audiophiles in that I am very sensitive to treble and what is commonly referred to as detail retrieval. I want something musical that is forgiving to poor recordings rather than reminding me that I’m not listening an audiophile mastered album, something laid back that gives the sense of ease and relaxation I get from vinyl.

I’ve previously tried DACs like the Chord Mojo, ifi xDSD, and Sabre 9018 based McIntosh D150 and found all to suffer from weak bass and overly emphasized treble (sparkle, air, detail) which is not to my liking. I’ve heard through reviews that something like the PS Audio Directstream DAC might be more of what I’m looking for but at the moment it is out of my budget. 

I also see things like the Mytek Brooklyn and Benchmark recommended at this price range but I fear they will have the same emphasis as the above and won’t be what I’m looking for. 

Im very open to used gear as it gives greater value. Is there anything out there for me?
128x128blorp
blorp's avatar
blorp OP
8 posts
 
Thank you for all the replies so far! I will definitely look into these options as they are all very interesting and several directions I had not considered before. 

For a bit more context I should have put into the original post, I'm using a pair of Harbeth M30.1s, have yet to select an amp as I'm still auditioning those (maybe Primaluna Dialogue HP?), and currently use either a Mac or Allo USBridge ethernet streamer for Roon/Qobuz/Google Music with a Curious USB cable if any of that makes a difference to recommendations. Thanks again!!
doni
360 posts
 
I'll second the Border Patrol, and the Directstream (Jr. in my case) as being warm and musical DACs.  The BP is probably a little more so, and is my favorite.  
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
Every MQA DAC rolls off the highs for PCM music, so something from Mytek for instance would have less upper treble than a Benchmark DAC3B or Chord Qutest (these have neutral sound).  
cal18
45 posts
 
Buy a tube dac
big_greg
6,639 posts
 
Every MQA DAC rolls off the highs for PCM music, so something from Mytek for instance would have less upper treble than a Benchmark DAC3B or Chord Qutest (these have neutral sound).
I have a Mytek Liberty, and it's a toss up as to whether it or my Wyred 4 Sound are the most "digital" and "brightest" DACs I've owned.  I would not recommend a Mytek product to someone with the OP's stated wants, unless the Brooklyn is vastly different from the Liberty, which according to comments I've read, it is not.  I'm not saying Mytek (or my Liberty) DACs are "bad", but they are not what I would recommend to someone looking for something "relaxed".
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