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Looking for recommendations for a 'warm' sounding DAC

Would anyone know of a warm sounding DAC, budget to £2500/$3000 new or used. My ears don’t like a crisp and clinical sound, I find that Chord/dcs/Topping sound painful if loud. I know many love those crisp leading edges that these deliver but that sound does not synergise with my amp/speakers nor my sensitive ears. I know the easiest way to achieve this would be to switch speakers to a mellow speaker but this option is not available.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
duckworp

Showing 3 responses by 8th-note

8th-note
424 posts
 
@gadios  

Very interesting DAC test. No testing methodology is perfect but that is a very credible comparison - especially considering that the votes were closer on the finalists.

Is there a list available of how all the DACs ranked? I would be curious which PS Audio model you tested and how it performed.
8th-note
424 posts
 
@gadios - Never mind, I found it. Did you ever address the issue of using optical connections for the DAC test?
8th-note
424 posts
 
@duckworp - Have you considered a tube buffer? I have a Black Ice/Jolida Foz SS-X which I use in my desktop system and it's a great little unit. It acts as a tube buffer, bass enhancer, and sound stage expander. The bass and soundstage effects are completely adjustable. It could be an inexpensive way to solve your problem.
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