Seeking to upgrade from Weiss Dac 204

An R2R DAC might be what you’re looking for.  Denafrips, Lampizator, Schitt, and Holo Audio all have DACs well within your price range new.  I have a Denafrips Pontus II with a Hermes DDC and I like it very much and would likely sound much like what you’ve described you want.  Oddly enough, the song that just queued up as I’m writing this is Warm Sound by Zero 7.  I wouldn’t necessarily describe the sound of my DAC/DDC as warm, but certainly full/rich/smooth.  The Denafrips Terminator line would get you where you want I think.

I’d be looking at a Lampizator Atlantic TRP or Audio Mirror Tubadour V for tubes or Mojo Audio Mystique or Denafrips Terminator 15th for solid state.  Best of luck. 

LessLoss.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650218571-echos-end-dac-by-lessloss/

Have you considered the Weiss 501? Dealer discount might get to your number. 

How about something from Bricasti?

There's this 501 for 5K

The T+A DAC 200 will make a fantastic upgrade.

Check out the reviews on the Audio Note 2.1x Signature.  Just be aware- coax and AES inputs only. No USB. 

Have a look at Merason, either the Reuss or DAC1 MkII. It is a hybrid of R2R and DS. I have the Reuss and it checks a lot of boxes for me.

First off:  Like speakers, I wouldn't purchase a DAC that I haven't gotten a chance to audition first, either at your local high-end audio shop (you may even want to travel abroad to audition different units), or at home in your own audio system.  Second: you're shortchanging yourself by insisting on a $7500 budget for new only.  You should be more open to buying used in order to maximize your dollar and open up the certainty that you will be able to purchase a higher-end, higher performing DAC for your $7500 than you would for the same money new.  Happy listening.         

You have received some good suggestions, IMO.  

I agree with trying the Mojo Audio Mystique X SE (R2R DAC) or current equivalent, and the Merason DAC1 MkII (hybrid BB chips).  Mojo offers a 45-day trial so you can have an extended trial in your own home/system.  Both are musical, but different presentations.

I also agree with considering used gear in good shape from reputable sellers.  Manufacturers continue to update digital gear, and buyers continue to upgrade, so there could be solid savings on current models in good conditions.  Also, not much to go wrong with a DAC.

Don’t buy any new components unless you heard them in a system you’re very familiar with, preferably your own, and there’s a return policy. If you’re blind buying, buy used. To really understand what the new DAC is doing in your system you need to spend at least a week with it. Initial impressions aren’t always correct. 
 

You also might want to consider dealer demos and used gear from retailers that offer a money-back guarantee if you return within a certain length of time (often 30 days), for any reason, other than if you damaged it, of course. There is also often a small restocking fee.

I just recently bought an amp from The Music Room a few weeks ago (they've got a huge amount of used gear as well as some new), lived with it for a couple weeks and decided it wasn't for me, and I sent it back last week - I paid for shipping it back and took the 5% hit, but it was worth it, kinda like paying for travel insurance - if you need it, you'll be really glad you have it. 

If I'd bought it from some guy on eBay or Agon for somewhat less money but didn't like it, I'd wish myself 'good luck with that!'.  

Other retailers like Music Direct offer something similar. Upscale Audio offers a 60-day trial period for most of their gear with a 5% restocking fee; some of the more 'upscale' brands like T+A have a 20% restocking fee; I guess they want to discourage 'tire-kicking' on those. 

Many companies that sell direct online also have a trial period. 

A lot of good suggestions. what comes to mind is the Lampizator TRP it uses tubes in a DHP (pentode) fashion. audition it first. Let us know if you decide upon this DAC.

@kjl1065 

You also might want to consider dealer demos and used gear from retailers that offer a money-back guarantee if you return within a certain length of time (often 30 days), for any reason, other than if you damaged it, of course. There is also often a small restocking fee.

 

I agree!  For example: Hawthorne Stero has a used Mojo Mystique XSE. They offer a return policy with no restock fee and I’ve found them to be very easy to deal with. 

https://www.hawthornestereo.com/mojo-audio-mystique-x-se-dac-used.html