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

Showing 2 responses by jbhiller

OP, I had the same objective--getting digital to sound more lifelike, more analog, and easier on the ears (less fatigue).  I love my Doge Audio DAC.  It has all the features you are seeking. 

https://doge.audio/product/doge-7-tube-dac/

The company owner and chief engineer left Jolida years back because he wanted to be closer to his family AND he wanted Jolida to build even higher quality product.   I've built some stuff over the last 5 years and I can tell you that the internal components of this product are great.  

Note this is a tube DAC.