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 ghdprentice

OP,

If you want quality sound you want to have nothing to do with Airplay… or Apple for that matter. I am a huge fan of Apple… but not for high quality audio. Qobuz is the best streaming service for high quality audio… but Tidal is a second best… from there the quality drops.

There are lots of quality DACs in the $5K range and up. Not a category I am familiar enough to recommend… other than if you could find a used Audio Research DAC that is not too old. Natural, detailed, lots of mid-range bloom.