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Streamer/dac …. Organic/euphonic sound signature

Hi guys.

Not new to the hobby but been away for many years - out of touch! Also developed nasty tinnitus while I was away.
No more critical listening for me…just background music. Still an audiophile at heart so good sound is still important.
Need recommendations for streamer/dac combo (keeping it simple) that’s organic and euphonic (coloured!) sounding. Rounded and full bodied weighty sound. Definitely on the very warm side of neutral. Dark? Excessive and thin/sharp high frequencies esp female vocal sibilance will set my ears off. :(

Budget $2.5 to $5k.

Thanks for your help.

 

 

ficus12346
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 

Audio Mirror T3SE (I own it) or T4 (unheard, but newer model). See various threads here, or this review:  https://v2.stereotimes.com/post/audio-mirror-tubadour-iii-se-nos-tube-dac-by-terry-london

Abbas Audio 3.2SE.  See this thread:  https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/abbas-dac-2-1-se.31754/

ficus12346 OP
4 posts
 

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate all the input and recommendations. I’m essentially rebuilding my system. For now … my only source will be streaming from tidal. Eventually will get a cdp or a transport as I have around 200 cds. Amplification will be via an integrated. Keeping it simple as my ears are basically shot due to tinnitus. My goal is to put together a system which has an organic, euphonic, meaty and somewhat of a darkish tonal  character. I’m willing to sacrifice some air and detail. I’m finding out that an airy, fast, lean and highly detailed sound signature will set my ears off. Esp female vocal sibilance. 
Will probably change my speakers too soon but I have decided to get a streamer/dac first. I definitely need something that veers on the warm side of neutral. Not even neutral. Does anyone have any experience with the goldnote ds 10 plus Evo or the arcam st60? Which would be a better bet?

Once again… thanks! 

rsf507
2,326 posts
 

I use the Bricasti M3 and a friend has the GN DS-10. We compared and while the GN sounded good the Bricasti was just wow better in all areas. Better definition, better bass, fuller sounding. But with that being said the old US Importer is blowing out all GN products. The DS-10 is selling new for $1800. A great bargain.

https://goldnoteusa.com/product/ds-10-plus/

kennyc
1,526 posts
 

......set my ears off. Esp female vocal sibilance.

@ficus12346

Is this the main reason you want a warm streamer DAC? Perhaps you should look at the other components further down your audio chain like electronics and speakers

ficus12346 OP
4 posts
 

@kennyc …. Yes… have been advised to look at speakers first. Made up my mind to change that first. Still need a warm streamer/dac combo. 

Thank you everyone for all the advice and recommendations 😊😊😊
 

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