Quite frankly, sounds like you're describing the difference between a good vinyl rig and a good digital rig, particularly when you talk of the mids and highs. Are you saying that the digital setup does not go deeper, or does not SOUND as deep? A digital rig that is flat in the bass may have deep bass extension but not sound like it because it does not have a slight emphasis in the upper bass (much like some small monitor speakers might have a bump in the mid-bass to make you think you're hearing more bass than the speaker is actually producing). An easy way to test your digital system would be a test CD with bass tones, like the Stereophile ones. My guess is that Drubin is right, your vinyl rig may be adding a bit of fullness--not a bad thing, I might add.
Are there any DACs that can go low?
I have a W4S DAC-2 (with Audiophilleo), I have also auditioned an Ayre QB-9, own a Cary Xciter, have owned a Peachtree Nova, and have an Oppo BDP-95. I try to use high definition files from a Mac Mini over Audionirvana.
None of these can approach the lows that my reference source can (a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage). My reference is a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage. The bass is so much richer and deeper with that as my reference and the midrange sounds fuller too. Highs never sound shrill either.
Are there any DACs out there that can approach a more neutral sound, at least as I see it?
None of these can approach the lows that my reference source can (a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage). My reference is a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage. The bass is so much richer and deeper with that as my reference and the midrange sounds fuller too. Highs never sound shrill either.
Are there any DACs out there that can approach a more neutral sound, at least as I see it?