DAC recommendations


Okay. So, before this becomes the typical dac battle, let me explain what I have and what I’m looking for. My system consists of an Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET amp(almost always in class A set mode), Audio Note an-e/lx speakers, Cambridge cxn v2 streamer modified by ModWright tube dac and a Topping d90 dac. I can switch back and forth to get a tube sound from the ModWright or a more “accurate” depiction of the recording through the Topping. After a few months, I think I want something in the middle. The tube dac lacks a little clarity and the Topping is very critical of poor recordings. Both have their times when they sound better but I’m seeking a middle ground. 
Here’s what I’m looking for. I would like clarity, without being analytical. But most of all, I want natural sounding! I want a piano to sound like a piano etc…Lastly, I prefer a bit more bass and less bright sounding. Does this dac exist?

Ive looked at the Denafrips Terminator 2 and would prefer not to spend $6800. Does the Venus 2 fit? Bricasti m3? Other suggestions? I have some high quality components and would like a dac to match. Thanks in advance 

earthbound

I believe the new PS Audio DSD MKII will meet all your criterion.  It is the most natural sounding DAC I have had in my system.  Very natural sounding, large well defined sound stage (side to side and front and back)  that extends quite a bit beyond my speakers and for me is right in the goldilocks zone.  Not too analytical but full of incredible detail.  Also, because of the galvanic isolation, any noise is as far as I can tell non-existent and since it has FPGA, the unit can evolve.  It is a DAC you can listen to for hours and not get fatigued.  I believe they let you do a 30 day trial and all you do is pay shipping.  As you can see by the list below I am a PS fan but I have had the opportunity to try out lots of gear and I think the PS products give you a great bang for the buck.  

  • PS Audio SACD Player
  • Pass XP-32 Pre
  • PS Audio DSD MKII
  • BHK Amps
  • Theil 3.7 speakers
  • 2 Rel S/5 SHO Subs
  • PS Audio P-20 Power Conditioner
  • Cardas Clear Reflection Interconnects
  • Audioquest Hurricane Power Cords
  • Nordost Tyr II Speaker Cables
  • VPI MKIII TT 

Thank you vthokie83. I am real tempted with the Venus 2 or Terminator 2. Like you mentioned, the accuracy of playing the recording can be good or bad depending on the recording. Sometimes the Topping can be too revealing. I have noticed Tidal’s Master recordings seem to take that edge off of harsh recordings. But, limited to only 4 or 5 hours of listening yesterday. I’m curious to see how the tube upgrade will affect the sound. Warm and clear sounding would be optimal. The cheap tubes it came with lack clarity. I will find out tomorrow. 🙏