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 2 responses by johnread57

Another vote for an Acoustic Research solution. In my case I replaced my Esoteric K03Xs because it was sharp on the leading edges, no matter what cables amps preamps or speakers. I was lucky to find an AR Ref CD9. This is an all tube affair and significantly fixed the problem I’d had. All of the highs became clear transparent and never harsh. I use the DAC for streaming via coaxial and find it so much better than the onboard DAC in the Pioneer N70Ae.

The CD9 plays into a SS AR LS10SE and Luxman M900u to a pair of large horn speakers with super tweeter. No harshness or sibilance at all but lots of airy highs.

Another vote for an Acoustic Research solution. In my case I replaced my Esoteric K03Xs because it was sharp on the leading edges, no matter what cables amps preamps or speakers. I was lucky to find an AR Ref CD9. This is an all tube affair and significantly fixed the problem I’d had. All of the highs became clear transparent and never harsh. I use the DAC for streaming via coaxial and find it so much better than the onboard DAC in the Pioneer N70Ae.

The CD9 plays into a SS AR LS10SE and Luxman M900u to a pair of large horn speakers with super tweeter. No harshness or sibilance at all but lots of airy highs.