I recommend the MHDT Orchid DAC. It uses an output tube and sound great in my system coupled with the BlueSound Node2 and an Audiolab 6000CDT cd transport. It will provide a touch of the warmth you are looking for and costs around $1,200 new. You’ll never find one used. Talk to the folks at Linear Tube Audio. They are their U.S dealer and they also carry another great tube DAC I bet you would like as well by Border Patrol. You won’t find a bad review of either companies DACs - certainly not by anyone that actually owns them.
Quest for an external Dac has resulted in me way down the rabbit hole
Hi audio wizards! I’ve read several articles and reviews about the benefits of a good quality external DAC, and the potential for “real” improvements in musical quality in a current system. I do believe my system might be in line . I currently have a Rotel 955 CD player I like, a nodeii and a Creek evo 100 integrated amp. The Ohm 1000 speakers sound a little lean in the top end although I do like them overall. At this point I’ve been looking for a Dac that would bring a little more “spring and liven up my system”. However, the more I research, the more confused I get. I’ve been to a couple higher end stereo stores and I seem to just get the “party line”. I live in Denver Colorado, and although I like the PS Audio line I can’t afford them. If any one has any advice for me on a good quality external
Dac model for under $1000 (new or used) I could sure use the help! Thank you