2. digital
  3. 177148-147732

Which DACs are known to be sweet/rich/relaxed?

Problem
System is nicely transparant and detailed, but tends to get bright and harsh with certain (rock) recordings and at higher volume levels.

Objective
Nudge the system towards a sweeter, richer, more relaxed presentation.

Proposed solution / first step
Upgrade to a (tube based) DAC, budget $25-40k.

Current chain

  • ROON Nucleus
  • Mola Mola Tambaqui
  • Gryphon Essence pre amp
  • Gryphon Essence monoblocks
  • Focal Stella Utopia EVO
  • Full loom of Triode Wire Labs cables
  • Dedicated power line straight into Puritan PSM156 mains filter
  • System resides in the living room with some diffusors but no absorption other than sofas, chairs, and some rugs.


On my radar
Lampizator Pacific (or Golden Gate 2 since I heard it's more "tube-like")
Aries Cerat Kassandra 2 Ref or Sig

— What other DACs should I consider?
— Do you think upgrading to another (tube based) DAC will achieve that sweeter, richer, more relaxed presentation?

robert1976

Showing 4 responses by rja

rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 

patrickdowns,

I think the EMM retails somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000?

FYI: MA2 now replaced by MA3 at list of $10,500.

rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 

I'm not saying this would solve OPs dilemma but might be something to consider.

Try to get an Aethetix Pandora Eclipse DAC into your system just to check out.

You might like it and it's way below the money you originally quoted.

rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 

Try an Aesthetix Pandora Eclipse DAC if you can.

rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 

First of all, I would like to apologize for not attacking anyone. Personal attacks seem de rigueur around here these days. Maybe the days of cordial conversation are gone?

5% of your CDs sound harsh? That percentage sounds about the right. I suggest you do some research into the titles in question to find the best sounding versions of the offenders (if they exist). Would be a lot cheaper than replacing components.

Even after doing this I have a few titles that are near unlistenable.

More to discover