DAC recommendations


Okay. So, before this becomes the typical dac battle, let me explain what I have and what I’m looking for. My system consists of an Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET amp(almost always in class A set mode), Audio Note an-e/lx speakers, Cambridge cxn v2 streamer modified by ModWright tube dac and a Topping d90 dac. I can switch back and forth to get a tube sound from the ModWright or a more “accurate” depiction of the recording through the Topping. After a few months, I think I want something in the middle. The tube dac lacks a little clarity and the Topping is very critical of poor recordings. Both have their times when they sound better but I’m seeking a middle ground. 
Here’s what I’m looking for. I would like clarity, without being analytical. But most of all, I want natural sounding! I want a piano to sound like a piano etc…Lastly, I prefer a bit more bass and less bright sounding. Does this dac exist?

Ive looked at the Denafrips Terminator 2 and would prefer not to spend $6800. Does the Venus 2 fit? Bricasti m3? Other suggestions? I have some high quality components and would like a dac to match. Thanks in advance 

earthbound

Showing 1 response by dmlaudio

I'm very happy with my Lumin X1, but definitely more than $6,500 new.  I'm only playing my own library, not streaming from any services, so I have it set in Roon Only mode.  

My Roon Core is a Synology DS1821+ NAS.  My NAS goes into a Cisco SG200-26 Gb switch and I'm going by Gb fiber from the switch to my Lumin.  .  

Roon's new ARC app is great for accessing my library while away from home.

FWIW, I've been digitizing my old LPs with an M2Tech Joplin MKIII.  Anything new I'm purchasing as FLAC files.