2. digital
  3. 177148-147732

Which DACs are known to be sweet/rich/relaxed?

Problem
System is nicely transparant and detailed, but tends to get bright and harsh with certain (rock) recordings and at higher volume levels.

Objective
Nudge the system towards a sweeter, richer, more relaxed presentation.

Proposed solution / first step
Upgrade to a (tube based) DAC, budget $25-40k.

Current chain

  • ROON Nucleus
  • Mola Mola Tambaqui
  • Gryphon Essence pre amp
  • Gryphon Essence monoblocks
  • Focal Stella Utopia EVO
  • Full loom of Triode Wire Labs cables
  • Dedicated power line straight into Puritan PSM156 mains filter
  • System resides in the living room with some diffusors but no absorption other than sofas, chairs, and some rugs.


On my radar
Lampizator Pacific (or Golden Gate 2 since I heard it's more "tube-like")
Aries Cerat Kassandra 2 Ref or Sig

— What other DACs should I consider?
— Do you think upgrading to another (tube based) DAC will achieve that sweeter, richer, more relaxed presentation?

robert1976
kot
133 posts
 

SMSL D3 at 3500$.    As relaxed, and as refined as most out there....

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

Proposed solution / first step
Upgrade to a (tube based) DAC, budget $25-40k.

i have no idea...  but my 2 cents...

with your system, if you have the mola mola dac and there is harshness, getting a different dac isn't the solution

goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,379 posts
 

Cullen Cables' Crossover 2 Series power cable claims to add a tube like sound to components. They've gotten good reviews. Starting price is about $330.00.

papafrgog
102 posts
 

OP, you've received a lot of good advice, I wanted to offer my personal experience.  I like the "lush" tube sound and the detail of digital.  I have been very satisfied with with my Aesthetix Romulus Eclipse model (CD + DAC).  There is also a DAC only unit known as Pandora.  The beauty (and fun) of this was that I rolled tubes until I found the sound that did it for me.  Amperex and Telefunken NOS.  The rest of my system is Aesthetix, and it would be hard for me to gauge how much singular impact the DAC might have for you.  But if you have the ability to listen, I think it would be well worth it.  The Eclipse model would not negate/limit any of the other excellent gear you have.  Good luck

rja's avatar
rja
2,371 posts
 

First of all, I would like to apologize for not attacking anyone. Personal attacks seem de rigueur around here these days. Maybe the days of cordial conversation are gone?

5% of your CDs sound harsh? That percentage sounds about the right. I suggest you do some research into the titles in question to find the best sounding versions of the offenders (if they exist). Would be a lot cheaper than replacing components.

Even after doing this I have a few titles that are near unlistenable.

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