Most organic / real / analogue sounding DAC (ideally with Volume Control) for $1500??????


I’d say I’m completely jaded with digital Hifi.   All sounds so thin & clinical.

I people raving about Benchmark DACs & Chord Mojos etc. They sound like hell to me.   Nothing at all like real live voices & instruments.

I’ve been reading about R2R Ladders & NOS.   The descriptions match what I’m looking for.   I want natural sound that makes me forget about Hifi & just listen to the music.
like Reel to Reel without the faff.

Lifelike is my aim, but I certainly prefer a warm, dark sound over clinical.

Don't need a load of inputs.  Only need 2 or 3.
I don’t have any analog sources, so prefer the DAC to have Volume Control to eliminate the need for a Pre Amp.   However, if the best sounding DACs don’t have Volume Control & there are clear sonic benefits to having a Preamp, then I could be persuaded.

I’m in UK btw, so need brands that ship to UK.


Suggestions please?


Thanks

singintheblues
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 I was looking for my miracle from those who are little talked about, but this is a masterpiece, a sleeper. Following this recipe, I bought unique active acoustics, after which the search for buying and selling became a thing of the past.

After a long search for a DAC, I chose Antelope Zodiac Silver for its true, uncolored singing, where instruments can sound as realistic as possible with the full presence of instruments, without coloring with the right dimensions, clear dynamics and a three-dimensional stage, this is the main thing for me. I listened to and compared the gold version, which is much more expensive, the difference is imperceptible, I tried with different power sources, the same difference is barely noticeable. .

OP, look for a used Esoteric DAC. Preferably one that utilizes the AKM chips. 

Jay's Audio CDT3 MK3 Transport

Holo May KTE DAC

Primaluna EVO 400 Pre

Audion AGD Mk3 Monoblocs

Most components bought close together in time. Pretty sublime but the whole shebang required a long break-in.