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Is cheap, smooth, digital sound possible?

I've recently gotten into vinyl playback and have grown to love its very smooth, warm sound. I only have a few CD players in the house, none of which I would consider "smooth." They are a Sony DVP something (cheap DVD/SACD player), and an NAD T532 DVD player. I've tried listening to music on my iPod which sounded a bit more laid back, but still caused listening fatigue after a short while. Is it possible to obtain a cheap player/DAC that will have a nice, warm sound that won't give me listening fatigue so easily?
jwglista

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
If you want cheap, then you will sacrifice detail. Most cheap solutions eliminate harshness and fatigue by rolling-off or compressing the highs. This also tends to compress the dynamics a bit. If you dont care about sacrificing some detail or dynamics, then go for it.

Poor AC-coupling caps are the first thing that goes cheap, and this will compress and roll-off. DC-coupled DAC's are more expensive. Power subsystem is the second thing that goes cheap, with similar effects and a big impact on dynamics.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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