2. digital
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Which DACs are known to be sweet/rich/relaxed?

Problem
System is nicely transparant and detailed, but tends to get bright and harsh with certain (rock) recordings and at higher volume levels.

Objective
Nudge the system towards a sweeter, richer, more relaxed presentation.

Proposed solution / first step
Upgrade to a (tube based) DAC, budget $25-40k.

Current chain

  • ROON Nucleus
  • Mola Mola Tambaqui
  • Gryphon Essence pre amp
  • Gryphon Essence monoblocks
  • Focal Stella Utopia EVO
  • Full loom of Triode Wire Labs cables
  • Dedicated power line straight into Puritan PSM156 mains filter
  • System resides in the living room with some diffusors but no absorption other than sofas, chairs, and some rugs.


On my radar
Lampizator Pacific (or Golden Gate 2 since I heard it's more "tube-like")
Aries Cerat Kassandra 2 Ref or Sig

— What other DACs should I consider?
— Do you think upgrading to another (tube based) DAC will achieve that sweeter, richer, more relaxed presentation?

robert1976

Showing 5 responses by djones51

djones51
4,947 posts
 

https://www.trinnov.com/en/products/amethyst/

djones51
4,947 posts
 

Why not just use the equalizer function within Roon?

He needs to spend $25k so the Trinnov fulfills plus it can do more. 

djones51
4,947 posts
 

I still say the Trinnov Amethyst would be your best investment if you’re determined to spend $25K. You can create settings to your particular tastes for different types of music. It would do much more than wires or tube DACs or overblown servers.

djones51
4,947 posts
 

I use REW to measure the room myself.

Why not use it to EQ the offending frequencies? You could use room treatments but in this case I suspect it needs some attenuation at certain frequencies. Much easier to do.  

djones51
4,947 posts
 

I still say if you want to spend money your best investment would be a Trinnov, it could replace the DAC and preamp.  Why try to EQ with a DAC or wires buy a device designed for the purpose. 

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