What does your DAC sound like

We have to keep in mind that the A in DAC stands for Analog, so in order for a DAC to sound great, both the conversion and Analog output stage must be good.  I like Benchmark products which have an astounding SN ratio, and some features found on very few other DACS like the +3db of digital headroom, adjustable output gain (for use with both pro and consumer gear) and both digital and analog volume control.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/digital-filter-overload-distortion


 

Try AD 1865 NOS Tube Dac cost effective and really analog sounding Dac frankly it sounds better than my McIntosh D-150 Dac check it out on you tube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI0PeIfivCo&pp=ygUcaHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9iaTBwZWlmaXZjbw%3D%3D

I have an older Denafrips Pontus ll and I really enjoy the sound.  It’s definitely not analytical and it’s not overly warm either. Maybe the super deal comes along I’ll get one of the new Venus 15th addition open box or slightly used.

I bought a Denafrips Pontus 655th edition dac from a member here over a year ago to see what all the fuss was about. It was solid, heavy, well built, but sounded like crap. I was confused. I ran it constantly for weeks and still no improvement. Very disappointing. Packed it up and sold it pdq to a member who never said boo when he got it, since I was crossing my fingers it wasn't broken during my run with it.

It was vailed, grungy, and so boring. What might I have done wrong with it? USB in, analog out to preamp was all I asked of it. Do they have a long break in period (it was used btw)?

Anyways, I still have my Bricasti but am curious about the sound of other brands so enjoy reading of other's experiences.

Happy listening.

We went from the Audio Mirror Tubadour III to the IV to the V and now the Wave DAC. I have never heard anything so transparent, airy or accurate in terms of instrument density and tone.  We compared it in our system with the Weiss Helios, and are very happy with the Audio Mirror.