If you want to get close to analog I recommend an Audio Research CD9se. This is the best sounding CD player / DAC I have heard. The tubes allow for a wonderful midrange bloom and natural analog sound. I actually did a side by side comparison with a DAC costing $5K more and actually preferred the natural sound of the CD9se better.
ARC stopped manufacturing them recently because the company producing the transports stopped making them. But it should still be possible to find one, or used.
ARC stopped manufacturing them recently because the company producing the transports stopped making them. But it should still be possible to find one, or used.