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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
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick
138 posts
 
Download the HQPlayer trial.  It makes my digital as close to vinyl that I have yet heard
jaudio1
121 posts
 
Without volume control but the MHDT Pagoda which is a tube based PCM 1704 NOS R2R Dac is very detailed but analog sounding and one incredible DAC.  Can pick them up for $1500 with an extra tube to roll. The Orchid also very nice but it is limited to 16/44.  

sc53
719 posts
 
Ayre Codex or QB-9 used. Nothing harsh or lean about these. Aqua LaVoce also fantastic but $3000+
djones51
4,947 posts
 
This is always confusing to me why are you looking for digital that sounds like analog? The Benchmark DAC3 gives you what's on the recording without coloration or distortion. Perhaps it's  the rest of your system. If you don't want accurate  then use vinyl or try one of these DACs like Border Patrol that distorts the crap out of the signal. 
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,399 posts
 
OP, I had the same objective--getting digital to sound more lifelike, more analog, and easier on the ears (less fatigue).  I love my Doge Audio DAC.  It has all the features you are seeking. 

https://doge.audio/product/doge-7-tube-dac/

The company owner and chief engineer left Jolida years back because he wanted to be closer to his family AND he wanted Jolida to build even higher quality product.   I've built some stuff over the last 5 years and I can tell you that the internal components of this product are great.  

Note this is a tube DAC.
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