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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!

128x128mmcgill829
benzman's avatar
benzman
400 posts
 

Loving the T+A Dac 200. 5 k on the resell side. Detailed but easy to listen to and that’s with Be  tweeters and midrange in my Persona f5. Really shines feeding it DSD but PCM sounds great too.

mmcgill829's avatar
mmcgill829 OP
149 posts
 

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

@chayro - I will look into that thread, thank you!

@veroguy - interesting, I have not heard of those. Will take a look!

@sls883 - I did get to hear the new LTA DAC at SWAF a few months ago. Sounded pretty nice and was pretty shocked at the low price point. BUT hard to fully critically evaluate a DAC at a hotel show setting.

@zlone - Will look into them. The DAC1 looks interesting.

@soix - Lampizator is great at the high end - I really like the Poseidon DAC but it's quite beyond my means! The 'lower end' Lampi model I have heard - the Baltic 4 - left things to be desired. I suppose, hearing the Poseidon first and then the Baltic, it's easy to just compare the two and just notice the shortfalls of the much cheaper model haha. Good to know about the LTA trial.

@glennewdick - the chord dave is a DAC I've seen mentioned a lot, but I admit I have not looked much into them. Will need to give it a look!

@larsman - The holo may has seen a lot of hype in the review landscape, but I can't say I've ever seen one on demo, though my show experiences are limited.

@benzman - yeah, that is what I've read about the T+A - it is best suited with DSD, where it can outperform more expensive DACs. I don't really have any intentions in trying to build a DSD library, since my digital chain is exclusively for streaming, so I'd rather have something that is tuned specifically to provide its 'best experience' with USB/PCM. It would feel a bit odd to buy a DAC at this price point and then use the lesser configuration, at least to me.

 

larsman's avatar
larsman
1,882 posts
 

If you're looking for an analog-sounding type of DAC, Chord may not be the best fit for you. They are excellent DAC's, for sure, but not many will accuse them of having a relaxed, analog type of sound. I've had a Hugo II and I've had a DAVE, with and without an M-Scaler, and sold them both because I was looking for a more analog-y sound, too. But by all means give their gear a listen if you're able to audition it.  

Ag insider logo xs@2x
bhvf
208 posts
 

Musical Fidelity M6X Dac. Not expensive. I like it better than the T+A Dac 200 I had. It's also the only Dac that uses the Sabre chip that I've really liked. You can get find it online with a return policy from Safe & Sound. Comes in black or silver. 

ghdprentice
6,789 posts
 

I would recommend listening to an Audio Research Reference DAC9. Be aware it does not do dsd. I was really shocked when I first heard it and have yet to hear a better sounding DAC although I have had better in my system. It is extraordinarily musical without losing detail.

I also have a DAC that does DSD and my current thinking, especially with streaming, is the overall sound of your system is by far the most important determinant of the sound… second is the mastering, third is the format, and finally trailing behind is the connection type.

So, I listen to a a lot of different albums. Sometimes I am struck by how great an album sounds. So I look, thinking, that must be a high def recording… seldom is it… it is just a well recorded red book resolution stream. My digital leg sounds the same as my really good analog leg, so the same observations apply.

Now the point of my system is to be musical and natural, image really well, naturally reproduce great bass, and be detailed. It is not to be detailed at all costs… strip away the midrange and enhance the treble to enhance the ability to hear detail. In this context… which sounds like your aim, consider a ARC Ref 9. You can buy used to get well below $10K.

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