@jjss49 Your description of a Valve DAC works for me.
I own one and have compared it to a selection of SS DAC’s.
I am not anti SS DAC, but am glad I was introduced to my Valve DAC early on in my voyage into Digital Recording Replays.
The most recently listened to Hegel HD 30, used in the system it was demo'd in, as well as a professionally Acoustically Treated Room, is the first SS DAC I have totally relaxed with in the same manner a Valve DAC can enforce one to breath out, with a sigh and embrace the moment. As the owned Valve DAC was A/B compared to the Hegel, pretty much made this attractive impression self-evident from the off set.
The Venus Owner who was also present was also very impressed with the impression the Hegel can create.
The Hegel is certainly not Valve Like, it is very noticeable for being a SS Design, but is very capable of producing a Sonic that is extremely relaxing and able to create a ambience where you are kicking your shoes off and intending on staying for the long haul. Not Bad for a Device, with a short usage life behind it. l am wanting to hear it in use following a few more hundred hours of usage.