2. digital
  3. 158875-123175

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
cowan217's avatar
cowan217
112 posts
 
What could you be listening to that makes "all digital sound thin and critical"? It hasn't been for many years- def not a result of being digital. I'd look at other areas of your system and room first that can have a much more heavy handed impact on brightness, bass etc. chances are really high its not your DAC. 
djb32
8 posts
 
I have the Rega DAC-R and I'm quite happy with the sound.  I think Rega discontinued them and you can find a deal on one.  
midareff1
182 posts
 
DAC by itself is meaningless.  Everything works in combination with everything else.  Input signal comes on a cable, wireless connection or network.  Assuming the original signal is pristine the input cables or method have to match the equipment to the fullest extend possible.  Power cable? Same on the out leg to amplification. How well do the output cables and amplification match to the DAC?  How about room vibrations and damping?  I could go on but there are so many factors to consider and dial in right down to room acoustics to tame.
rallais
8 posts
 
Audio Note 0.1X.

Audio Note is in your neighborhood.
rebelthepit
3 posts
 
I have to agree with midareff1! I sold high end car audio for 13 years. The brands had different signature sounds etc. but it wasn’t until I really jumped into home audio. Did I realize home audio systems Must have synergy if you expect to be satisfied with yours. Just a single cable can change the sound to be completely different. So getting your system molded to your particular needs/wants is a work in progress. Go to your local hifi shop and listen to gear in person! You can only read so many reviews and skim through the forums until it’s time for an in person demonstrations. When I sold car audio. I had to provide great demos so customers could truly decide what they enjoyed most about the brands and different gear. I am satisfied with the system I currently own but I wasted a lot of money buying and reselling stuff that wasn’t what I wanted my system to sound like. For you to truly be happy. There's nothing better than getting the experience first hand and figuring out what you like before you even plug it in at home. 
More to discover