Well what I've done as a temporary solution is install Rockbox on my 5th gen iPod and set the treble cutoff frequency around 14,500 Hz. This actually makes listening bearable, but does seem to cut out a lot in the upper range. I'm willing to live with that if it gets me cheap digital playback that I can actually listen to without making my ears bleed. I may try the DIY mod that is similar to the Red Wine Audio iMod.
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?