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A Newcomer to Digital Looking to Upgrade My Dac, Tubes? Ideas?

Being a relative newcomer to digital downloads and playback, I love the convenience when I am looking for a short music session and don't feel like going through my vinyl. I find the digital quality pretty good, but looking to upgrade my dac to get some additional warmth into my playback, I'm thinking maybe a tube dac, not sure what I should spend but cost wise was thinking of $ 2,000.00 as a budget. Not sure if such a dac exists, or if you have suggestions. I have built up a pretty good collection of both PCM and DSD HD music, mostly copies of what I have on vinyl but the vinyl has seen better days. Currently I am using a TEAC UD-501, tube preamp- (Schiit Mjolnir 2), Amp.- (Adcom 555se), Balanced throughout usually through my PC but I also use my portable through the coax to the dac. Speakers are Wilson Benesch Square 2. Unfortunately I have an L shaped listening room, which seconds as our living room, typical of what you find in a condo, volume levels are generally low to medium, to spare the neighbours, and I split my time between the speakers and headphones.
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Showing 4 responses by pooch2

pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
73 posts
 
Thanks for all the recommendations so far, I have the research list started. Much appreciated!
pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
73 posts
 
I found a used Lampizator for $3,000.00, but I don't think you can play DSD on it. I think I want that option, and besides it's a lot over budget. The search continues! Thanks for the Schiit tone control idea, I use a Schiit Lokuis from time to time to help out with my worn out vinyl, never thought of using it on my digital, might be worth a shot. I'm always up for new ideas!
pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
73 posts
 
Thanks for the details (jjss49) that helps narrow down the list a bit.
pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
73 posts
 
In answer to how I play my digital music, it is usually through J. River via USB to the Teac UD-501, or from my Fiio M11 via coax to the Teac.Files are flac generally 96-24 or 192-24 PCM or 512 DSD. I will have a look at some of the other options being suggested (petaluman) so thanks for that input as well.
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