Distinctly Digital Forever?


Something always made me believe that a decent tube preamp could "mellow" or "naturalize" the sound of digital sources. But this doesn't seem to be so. OTOH, maybe there are DACS out there that not only convert to analog, but actually make digital source components sound like analog sources? So, just to further my understanding: assuming price no object, does there exist any DAC, or DAC/Pre combo, capable of making my streamer (or the best streamer in existence, for that matter) sound indistinguishable from an FM radio signal, given each "playing" the same recording at the same volume with the same EQ?

hickamore

@lalitk Thanks, I have been postponing that approach but now is a good time to start acquiring my absolute favorite recordings from Analog Productions!

I do think there are DACs that can get you where you want to go. But one thing I've not seen mentioned is the signal chain from your internet provider to your DAC or streamer. You can find abundant SQ upgrades by employing something like an Uptone Audio ER or Network Acoustics filter (they make three, see their website). Also replacing the wall wart power supplies for your Router, modem, etc. will yield big gains as well as Network cable. There are a number of recent threads on the topic as this is very much on the minds of folks in the digital forum.

I'm digital forever (haven't had a TT for over 30 years) and all of these items I mentioned above have helped me as well as a multitude of people in their search to get better sound from their digital front ends. You'd be surprised how much of a difference the network connection from the wall to your streamer can make in the hunt for better sound.

@hickamore the challenge with digital is not how to make it sound like the FM radio or a vinyl record (you don’t want to do that anyway). It is how to make digital sound less digital and more natural.
If you search the forums the DACs in the $5k - $6k retail price range begin to approach that level. As you go up in price you go up in quality from that point onward. The rest of your system and room have to be on the level though.
FWIW, I’m happy with the Bricasti M3 DAC that I’ve had in my system for about 8 months now.

@pokey77 Recently upgraded my Ethernet to streamer, but nothing upstream of that. Will check the websites you recommend to see what might be done at that level. As you can see, I am only now learning how to navigate this digital audio universe that popped into existence while I was busy doing other things.