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Is there such thing as a "vocal" forward DAC?

My system right now is an iFi Zen Stream, Schiit Modius, Schiit Freya + & DAC x-Cherry 2 powering Spatial Audio M3 Triode Masters.

I'm quite happy with it but the M3TM are known for a more relaxed vocal, maybe even rolled off highs which makes the vocals at times sound like they are farther back in the soundstage, behind the drums even and I don't like that at all. The highs in fact are fine for my ears but the vocals bothers me.

Before I start down the road of replacing these I was wondering if there is a DAC that is considered a vocal forward type sound, I know it might not be enough to make a huge change but any change is good right now for my setup.  I'm not a neutral/flat critic and in fact like a more "flavored" styled sound.

Is there such a thing or am I asking too much of a DAC?
blkwrxwgn
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,442 posts
 
I find Lampizator dacs to be forward sounding in general. Perhaps you could demo one. The vocals are also up front. 
blkwrxwgn OP
240 posts
 
The Freya is new to me, just this week and I think there is another issue here, the stock tubes!  I just switched to passive or differential and adjust to match volume db and I get clean crisp vocals and more detailed sound but thinner without the tube sound.

I think the issue might be more the stock JJ tubes.
jgoldrick's avatar
jgoldrick
138 posts
 
Brent Jesse is great for NOS tubes.  Has a description of what the tube sounds like for the listed tubes.  Another suggestion would be to try DSP.  Maybe a minidsp or HQPlayer ( if you can use it).
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