2. digital
  3. 190717-38070

Relaxed/Analog sounding DAC for under $10k (used or new)

Hi all. I'm currently using an Allnic D5000 DHT DAC which I got to replace a denafrips Pontus II not too long ago. While I do enjoy this dac, it can sound a bit forward in higher frequencies at times and can get a bit fatiguing. The 3A5 tubes are a bit finicky and don't last especially long either. It seems to sound best with coax input and with native DSD files, but my streamer only has USB output, and I exclusively stream via Qobuz with no DSD albums, so I'm not sure it's the best long term match from a synergy standpoint for me. I get the feeling that it was designed around being used primarily with a CD transport, which is not something I am interested in ever adding to my system.

My primary listening setup is centered around analog vinyl playback, so that tends to be my point of reference. I prefer laid back and musical sound versus striving for absolute detail retrieval that can sometimes come off a bit too clinical or harsh to me.

Going through various threads, some things stick out to me - T+A D200, SW1X, etc. I've also heard some Lampizator DACs that I liked (though mostly their very high end models that are outside my budget). I know typically people recommend R2R for a more 'analog' experience, but I also know that that is not the end-all-be-all with DACs, and implementation and intention matters a fair amount more. There are some DAC manufacturers that design their DACs around being used with CDs and don't care for streaming, so their performance is not optimized for use with streaming, etc.

Please do not turn the thread into a debate about the merits of R2R vs D-S. Not really relevant to me and I am mainly looking to see what ideas people toss at me.

Anyway, as a TL;DR, looking for a DAC that satisfies these points:

1. Leaning more musical/analog sounding, with a focus on laid back sound that is non-fatiguing;
2. wide soundstage and fantastic imaging;
3. Optimized for PCM streaming audio + USB input;
4. Ideally under $10k (new or used);
5. Black chassis option

Thanks!

128x128mmcgill829
jim2
165 posts
 

@tomwipf 

 

I believe Ayre Acoustics QX-5 meets all of your criteria. It's made me a better listener with all the timbre. The clock is 5mm from the dac chip.. 

I have quite a bit of Ayre gear and am curious, where did you hear this bit of info about the design? 

I have a QB-9 Twenty and have thought of the QX-5.  When I saw this thread my QB-9 Twenty came to mind as well... "fatigue free / analog"... but still has detail. They can actually still be bought new from Ayre. 

yzfr1mike's avatar
yzfr1mike
14 posts
 

 I find that the PS Audio Directstream II dac to sound and image wonderfully. Highly Recommended!

phishhhhh4's avatar
phishhhhh4
103 posts
 

Used Mola Mola Tambaqui

I use it with my Pulsar and it's great

arcangles
19 posts
 

If this hasn't been mentioned already, since it seems that your listening fatigue is track dependent, sounds like you need some tone controls. Roon will do it electronically if you are a roon user. Or Schiit makes some that offer correction in multiple bands, I think as many as 6 or 7 if I recall. If you feel the need to send money, I believe Accuphase has a "high end" tone control. For what its worth, it may not be worth switching dacs or spending $10,000 to achieve a dial-back of too much high frequency energy. Tone controls or even room treatments to lessen the amount of high frequency energy in your room, may go further and help the sound using digital or analog sources. 

 

Or, I had a Schiit Bifrost dac a couple years back, and I thought it fit the bill of the sound you were describing really well. Comes in black, significantly less money than $10k, maybe $1k tops these days. It was really a nice piece with balanced outputs, a remote, and a small footprint. 

zuesman
113 posts
 

check out the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC, the reviews have been stellar, one of the reviewers put it up against his VPI turntable with a $5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said it was every bit as an analog sounding, they also offer a 30-day trial period, I bought it because of that and tried it and I totally agree it is one of the most analog DACS I tried in my system and another great thing to try if you really want to improve your system is put Townshend podiums underneath your speakers to get rid of all the vibration coming back into your speakers and your whole system, best upgrade that I've ever done to my system, it was a revelation and eye opening how much better everything got. far superior to the ISO acoustic Gaia.All the reviews on different forums have confirmed that as well.

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