2. digital
  3. 190717-38070

Relaxed/Analog sounding DAC for under $10k (used or new)

Hi all. I'm currently using an Allnic D5000 DHT DAC which I got to replace a denafrips Pontus II not too long ago. While I do enjoy this dac, it can sound a bit forward in higher frequencies at times and can get a bit fatiguing. The 3A5 tubes are a bit finicky and don't last especially long either. It seems to sound best with coax input and with native DSD files, but my streamer only has USB output, and I exclusively stream via Qobuz with no DSD albums, so I'm not sure it's the best long term match from a synergy standpoint for me. I get the feeling that it was designed around being used primarily with a CD transport, which is not something I am interested in ever adding to my system.

My primary listening setup is centered around analog vinyl playback, so that tends to be my point of reference. I prefer laid back and musical sound versus striving for absolute detail retrieval that can sometimes come off a bit too clinical or harsh to me.

Going through various threads, some things stick out to me - T+A D200, SW1X, etc. I've also heard some Lampizator DACs that I liked (though mostly their very high end models that are outside my budget). I know typically people recommend R2R for a more 'analog' experience, but I also know that that is not the end-all-be-all with DACs, and implementation and intention matters a fair amount more. There are some DAC manufacturers that design their DACs around being used with CDs and don't care for streaming, so their performance is not optimized for use with streaming, etc.

Please do not turn the thread into a debate about the merits of R2R vs D-S. Not really relevant to me and I am mainly looking to see what ideas people toss at me.

Anyway, as a TL;DR, looking for a DAC that satisfies these points:

1. Leaning more musical/analog sounding, with a focus on laid back sound that is non-fatiguing;
2. wide soundstage and fantastic imaging;
3. Optimized for PCM streaming audio + USB input;
4. Ideally under $10k (new or used);
5. Black chassis option

Thanks!

mmcgill829

Showing 3 responses by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

There are many reasons why you can be experiencing fatigue. The DAC to amp/preamp matching where there’s sn impedance mismatch, interconnects from dac to pre or amp (I’ve experienced fatigue with few cables until I found what matched perfectly), DAC itself can emphasize presence region and annoy you, room acoustics, etc.

Your DAC output impedance is 150 ohms which means the input impedance of your preamp or integrated should be at least 10x that and preferably more. If the amp has low input impedance the balance shifts towards higher frequencies as the bass is reduced. Keep this in mind now and in the future when you select a new DAC. Solid state DACs will typically have lower output impedance and match better with most equipment. Just something to think about

Don’t get too hung up on DACs that sound like vinyl records. They don’t exist. Find a DAC that is better and more evenly balanced top to bottom.
In your price range you can find a used MSB Discrete if you’re patient. Or try Bricasti with severa filter options to relax the presentation a bit.

What are your cables? Brand and model?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

OP - I have tried TWL Seven Plus power cord and TWL speaker cables. Although I didn’t pair these, the power cord emphasizes the highs when used on the amp in my system. Didn’t cause fatigue just caused a bit of brightness. It didn’t last long in my system. The American Digital power cord met the same faith.
The TWL speaker cable were bright and caused fatigue at normal listening levels. I didn’t enjoy them. They do sound fine at very low levels. They’re probably better suited for a warm sounding system powered by single ended triode amps…and this is what Pete uses. Just my suspicion, not a fact. Sharing my thoughts and experience…something to take into consideration.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

OP…in atereophile review it is mentioned that upsampling results in artificial flavor in the treble. So you are most likely on the right track with the DAC being a suspect as well. 
 

The Allnic's Upsample function wasn't as impressive. On the first press of this front-panel button, the Allnic shifts not to a higher sampling rate, but into the Upsample mode itself. The next three presses take a 44.1/48 file into 88.2/96, 176.4/192, and 352.8/384 sampling-rate groups, while the fourth press deactivates Upsample mode and returns the user to 44.1/48. I found that simply entering Upsample mode changed the sound of the file being played, and not for the better: The midrange became more opaque (and slightly thicker, timbrally), and the trebles became slightly, almost imperceptibly coarser. Beyond that, I found—with some exceptions—that each successive rung of the upsampling ladder made the trebles in particular more hi-fi, less natural.

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