2. digital
  3. 1357475561

analog sounding DAC?

Please I need advice.I like analog sound.My system contains Sroll Transport going to Sroll integrated amp with dac built in,Kimber KS-3035,Belden digital cable and Tannoy Westminster.My DAC inside of Sroll sounds about the same as Weiss DA,awesome midrange and I like it but I also have heard Naim cd555 and that sounded more analog,darker sounding,I am looking for something between these two,I don't like cold clinical sound.Naim sounded great with old rock but sounded too dark on darker sounding cd¨s and it did not have as much resolution.I am looking for DAC mainly for playing cd¨s from a transport.
mikedimitrov

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You should address the transport jitter before changing DACs. If you are not getting great resolution from the system then its usually the source, not the DAC at fault.

If you must use a transport, try the OPPO BDP-93 with the Audiopraise Vanity93 module added.

Analogness on the other hand is the DAC. You should be shopping for DACs with good discrete analog output stages and decent power supplies. Elminating the preamp and using DAC direct to amp is best. Balanced connections are best.

These DACs are rare birds IME. Get demo DACs to audition to be sure. You are looking at some serious money to get analog, but its possible. A few of my customers have sold their vinyl after using my DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
MikeD - This is the best value for your money IME:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=112012.msg1175451#msg1175451

It beats most of the DACs you mention, including dCS Debussey.

Eliminating your active preamp should be a secondary goal BTW.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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