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Help me find this sound

I'm looking for a DAC that can smooth out the sound of all my cd's, make them sound more MoFi's cd's. With that smooth, warm, non-fatiguing yet still detailed sound.
Something in the under $2k range.

Currently, I'm using an MSB Link 2, un-modded. This, I think, is the weak link (no pun). I was thinking of a Kora Hermes, but that's just a thought right now.

System is:

Sony 333es mega changer (mega changer, yes, and no, not on the table for replacement, we listen to too much music! If anything, we're getting one more.)

Monarch DIP (have another, but took it out as the ES changer sounds better with one DIP in line)

Adcom GFP 750 pre
Spectron Musician 2 amp
Von S. VR-4's

Dig cable is AZ Silver Photon
IC's are AP copper
Speaker cables are Oval 9's

getting dedicated lines in a week or two (when I get off my butt and get the wires).

I would appreciate any advice/comments/suggestions.

thank you

KP
killerpiglet
killerpiglet OP
374 posts
 

I spoke with Ric and he's getting out of the DAC business. Hence, my post here (I was going to go ahead and get one of his DAC's).

Don't really want to send the Link in for mods, as this seems like a half-measure, and it'd leave me DAC-less (what, I said DAC!).

Do have a mix of different power cords in the system, line filter, etc.

I keep the Adcom in passive mode, so the switchable voltage output on the Hermes sounds attractive to me.

I'll also check out Muse and Bel Canto as suggested.
Thank you, gentlemen, keep 'em comin'!

KP
ljgj
955 posts
 
You will love the Kora Hermes 24/192 version whether with the recent silver wire upgrades or just the recent 24/192 upgrade. Sells for 1600 and 2600.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
KP, sounds to me like you're on the right track. I own the Bel Canto DAC 1.1 and love it, but from your query I think the EVS Millenium DAC II or Kora Hermes may be the better route for you. The Bel Canto DAC 1.1 is more dynamic, but less warm than the original DAC 1. Check the Agon Classifieds, I thought I saw a couple Hermes and one EVS II listed. Good luck!
mtsars
6 posts
 
No offense, but I think the weak link is your transport. Use your mega changer an a cd holder and buy a decent single disc player. I actually have a sony changer that is not connected to my system, but serves as a compact way to store and organize my cds.
killerpiglet OP
374 posts
 
No offense taken, Mtsars!
But we must have the mega changers. We listen to music for hours on end, and jump all over the place.
I've dampened the **** out of it, and that helped improve the sound quite a bit (a lot more than I expected).

A single player may sound better, but we'd end up listening to a lot less music, so that is not an option. We want music, and tons of it!

KP
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