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Most organic / real / analogue sounding DAC (ideally with Volume Control) for $1500??????

I’d say I’m completely jaded with digital Hifi.   All sounds so thin & clinical.

I people raving about Benchmark DACs & Chord Mojos etc. They sound like hell to me.   Nothing at all like real live voices & instruments.

I’ve been reading about R2R Ladders & NOS.   The descriptions match what I’m looking for.   I want natural sound that makes me forget about Hifi & just listen to the music.
like Reel to Reel without the faff.

Lifelike is my aim, but I certainly prefer a warm, dark sound over clinical.

Don't need a load of inputs.  Only need 2 or 3.
I don’t have any analog sources, so prefer the DAC to have Volume Control to eliminate the need for a Pre Amp.   However, if the best sounding DACs don’t have Volume Control & there are clear sonic benefits to having a Preamp, then I could be persuaded.

I’m in UK btw, so need brands that ship to UK.


Suggestions please?


Thanks

singintheblues
rockyboris
40 posts
 
U.K. 
Take a look at Graham Slee's Majestic it fits what you are looking for, it's reasonably priced and right now it sounds like Phil Collins is in my music room. Contact them and they'll loan you one for a couple of weeks to try out.
keithc's avatar
keithc
20 posts
 
I sold my Schiit Yggdrasil DAC in favor of my Border Patrol SEi ($1,425), and it was the best audio decision I've made.  
coffee-jerk
73 posts
 
I’ve had good luck with my used Bel Canto 2.7 DAC preamp.   It has a KNOB.  I don’t understand how anybody can live without a volume knob.   
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,692 posts
 
 I use a Schiit Gungnir Multi Bit, at $1299.USD, its nice and music flows out of it,  I will say its a little on the lean side though but over all nice for the money. 
bellemusique's avatar
bellemusique
68 posts
 
If you live in UK you may try to find Musical Fidelity Tri Vista 21 on second hand market for 500-700£. Then send it to Pink Faun for the upgrade (new capacitors etc). In total this will cost you less than 1000£ and you'll have a DAC which compares to DACs costing 5000£. I've used this with EAR 834L preamplifier and that combo was the most analog experience I've had so far in digital world. Alternatively, you'll need to raise your budget and purchase EAR Acute Classic. Tim de Paravicini's personal goal was to create the most analog sounding CD player and DAC ever built on this planet.
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