Streamer/dac …. Organic/euphonic sound signature

Thanks everyone for recommendations 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏

I own the Innuous streamer as well as the Gold Note DS-10 streamer/Dac with the external power supply offered by Gold Note. For what you are looking for, I strongly recommend the Gold Note DS-10. It’s an interesting piece, as it allows you to change sound settings to your liking. In its default setting, I’ve found it to be warm and somewhat lush. It’s in your budget range, as well. 
 

Aside from some issues with the mobile app that I’m working through, I’ve been super impressed with the unit. Frankly, I love its sound because of its warm and somewhat dark tone. It’s the opposite of bright sounding. It’s also very visually appealing. Highly recommended. 

Gustard R26 streamer/dac is one of the great bangs for buck out there.  One of best ever upgrades to my system after 5+ prior dacs.  Vast soundstage, lots of air, top to bottom transparency, and absolutely no SS etch/glare.  All for ~$1600.

Personally, I'm not super attracted to warmth as a descriptor.  I think choosing based on natural tonality & realism (vs. high-fi and analytical) gets me there without as many distractions.  

@kennyc …. Yes… have been advised to look at speakers first. Made up my mind to change that first. Still need a warm streamer/dac combo. 

Thank you everyone for all the advice and recommendations 😊😊😊
 

......set my ears off. Esp female vocal sibilance.

@ficus12346

Is this the main reason you want a warm streamer DAC? Perhaps you should look at the other components further down your audio chain like electronics and speakers

I use the Bricasti M3 and a friend has the GN DS-10. We compared and while the GN sounded good the Bricasti was just wow better in all areas. Better definition, better bass, fuller sounding. But with that being said the old US Importer is blowing out all GN products. The DS-10 is selling new for $1800. A great bargain.

https://goldnoteusa.com/product/ds-10-plus/

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate all the input and recommendations. I’m essentially rebuilding my system. For now … my only source will be streaming from tidal. Eventually will get a cdp or a transport as I have around 200 cds. Amplification will be via an integrated. Keeping it simple as my ears are basically shot due to tinnitus. My goal is to put together a system which has an organic, euphonic, meaty and somewhat of a darkish tonal  character. I’m willing to sacrifice some air and detail. I’m finding out that an airy, fast, lean and highly detailed sound signature will set my ears off. Esp female vocal sibilance. 
Will probably change my speakers too soon but I have decided to get a streamer/dac first. I definitely need something that veers on the warm side of neutral. Not even neutral. Does anyone have any experience with the goldnote ds 10 plus Evo or the arcam st60? Which would be a better bet?

Once again… thanks! 

Audio Mirror T3SE (I own it) or T4 (unheard, but newer model). See various threads here, or this review:  https://v2.stereotimes.com/post/audio-mirror-tubadour-iii-se-nos-tube-dac-by-terry-london

Abbas Audio 3.2SE.  See this thread:  https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/abbas-dac-2-1-se.31754/

Do the above posters intend to use the word euphoric (characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness) or did they mean euphonic (pleasing or sweet sound)?

Bricasti M3 with Network option (roon ready) is very organic/natural, full bodied and rounded sounding but it isn’t colored or euphoric. If you want colored and euphoric, add a vintage tube preamp with a Class A solid state amp or a tube or Class A integrated. 

Another one for the Bricasti M3. While not euphoric sounding IMO it is very organic

For maybe $5500 you can get the very good Bricasti  M3 streamer dac , with very good analog preamp retail $6500 , I bought m8ne a5 Perrotta Consulting built like a tank , made in MA. U.S.A

Eisa award winner Musical Fidelity for $2199 will be a little warmer and easy on the ears.

Try Innuos.

+1 on the Moon 280D @akg_ca. I had it for a couple of years and liked it so much that I upgraded to the Moon 650D and the Moon MiND2.

Gustard R26 and use the left over money to add fmc, external clock, upgrade power cord and a nice dinner to celebrate. 

Totaldac core plus streamer board…used, bit over budget if new 

I just uograded my BRYSTON digital player and DAC rig to this 

Simaudio Moon 280D Streaming DAC

Review

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/simaudio-moon-280d-streaming-dac-review

https://darko.audio/2021/07/refined-precision-moon-by-simaudios-280d-streaming-dac/