2. digital
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Most organic / real / analogue sounding DAC (ideally with Volume Control) for $1500??????

I’d say I’m completely jaded with digital Hifi.   All sounds so thin & clinical.

I people raving about Benchmark DACs & Chord Mojos etc. They sound like hell to me.   Nothing at all like real live voices & instruments.

I’ve been reading about R2R Ladders & NOS.   The descriptions match what I’m looking for.   I want natural sound that makes me forget about Hifi & just listen to the music.
like Reel to Reel without the faff.

Lifelike is my aim, but I certainly prefer a warm, dark sound over clinical.

Don't need a load of inputs.  Only need 2 or 3.
I don’t have any analog sources, so prefer the DAC to have Volume Control to eliminate the need for a Pre Amp.   However, if the best sounding DACs don’t have Volume Control & there are clear sonic benefits to having a Preamp, then I could be persuaded.

I’m in UK btw, so need brands that ship to UK.


Suggestions please?


Thanks

singintheblues

Showing 3 responses by singintheblues

singintheblues OP
96 posts
 
I’m in a good position, given I sold all my expensive gear when I became jaded with Hifi.    I’m now left with just a few cheap bits.   An old Quad 34 Pre & 606.2 amp, and a little pair of Ruark speakers.

The Denafrips Ares is sounding nice even in that setup.

So I’ve got a blank canvas.   I’ll be demoing Amps & Speakers.   Trying to be sure to get the right match this time.

I’m borrowing a Khozmo Passive Pre next week.
singintheblues OP
96 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.  Some interesting stuff, which I will refer back to.

I’ve ordered a Denafrips Ares 2.   No Volume Control, but I’m hearing good things about them.   

I’ll be trying as many Pre Amps as I can get my hands on.
singintheblues OP
96 posts
 
@mvrooman1526 I’m happy with it.   It doesn’t have any sonic signature that I can hear.  It’s not thin or bright (which is a an absolute none starter for me), but it doesn’t seem to add anything either.
I forget it’s there.


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