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DAC to add warmth and fullness to Linn Ikemi

Hi All,

This has been asked before, but perhaps I can get suggestions that include more recent DAC models?

The Ikemi can be absolutely superb, but I'm just curious that I might be missing out on a bit of warmth and fullness. I reckon that the Ikemi would serve as a top rate transport!

I have no experience with external DACs, so I'm wondering what I should expect the current models available up to about £1000 (I'm in the UK).

Linn Ikemi
Music First Pre (Copper)
Bel Canto S300
Lumley Lampros 100

Cardas Golden Hexlink 5C (XLR) CD - Pre
Chord Anthem (XLR) Pre - Power
Nordost Blue Heaven speaker cables
frank115
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I agree with Ckoffend that the Kora Hermes is a nice-sounding DAC, especially with NOS tubes. The tubes would be key to getting the warmth you want and for that I'd try Mullard or Amperex.

Another one to listen to would be the Apogee Mini-DAC. Warm and full-sounding if your software has it, lots of detail and good harmonics, and personally I think I might take it over the Kora.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with Ckoffend on the CAL Audio Alpha, not the latest, but very sweet, smooth and inexpensive.
Another unit, which also is quite dated, but IMHO sounds better at it's used price than any newer DAC at the same price range would be the Classe DAC-1. This was a $4K unit on it's release in 1997, but can now be had used for around $1K USD. I can't think of any $1K DAC that can beat it sonically.

Cheers,
John
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Tobias, I like that call on the Apogee DAC. That is a good DAC, I have heard it but not in my system so I cannot say its character regarding warmth - but a very good DAC indeed. I think there is even one of these for sale right now (10/1/08). For the record I am in no way associated with the sale of this piece if it is in fact still listed.
frank115 OP
5 posts
 
Cheers all - very interesting. I'll check out your suggestions even if I'm not ready to buy just yet. btw, I was think more of DACs up to £1000 GBP rather than USD!

Would most of these DACs provide roughly the same level of detail as the Ikemi?
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Your GBP is pretty close to $2K which if you hunt and search could almost get you a DCS delius without 1394. That would be my highest recommendation. I have gone through some pretty good digital in the past couple of months and that is one helluva good DAC! Prices are dropping like crazy here in the States. Some great buying opportunities!
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