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Relaxed, musical DAC around 2k used?

I tend to differ from many audiophiles in that I am very sensitive to treble and what is commonly referred to as detail retrieval. I want something musical that is forgiving to poor recordings rather than reminding me that I’m not listening an audiophile mastered album, something laid back that gives the sense of ease and relaxation I get from vinyl.

I’ve previously tried DACs like the Chord Mojo, ifi xDSD, and Sabre 9018 based McIntosh D150 and found all to suffer from weak bass and overly emphasized treble (sparkle, air, detail) which is not to my liking. I’ve heard through reviews that something like the PS Audio Directstream DAC might be more of what I’m looking for but at the moment it is out of my budget. 

I also see things like the Mytek Brooklyn and Benchmark recommended at this price range but I fear they will have the same emphasis as the above and won’t be what I’m looking for. 

Im very open to used gear as it gives greater value. Is there anything out there for me?
blorp

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,592 posts
 
Every MQA DAC rolls off the highs for PCM music, so something from Mytek for instance would have less upper treble than a Benchmark DAC3B or Chord Qutest (these have neutral sound).

@mzkmxcv

What?????
Figures 7 and 8 of this review say you have no idea what you are talking about:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/mytek-hifi-brooklyn-da-processor%C2%96headphone-amplifier-measur...


I own a Brooklyn. There’s nothing wrong with the treble response of the DAC, but I will say I prefer the fast filter, rather than the apodizing filter which has to be used to get MQA decoding.

To claim having MQA in a DAC lessens the treble response is nonsense. The original Brooklyn has MQA and measures superbly.

erik_squires
16,592 posts
 
+1 on the Brooklyn. :)

Best,
E
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