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Mid-priced warm sounding DAC?

I've recently decided that a good route for me to take is upgrading my system with a good DAC. My current system is a bit bright sounding, so I'm looking for a good DAC costing up to $600 (used) that will provide a smooth, warm sound to match my currently bright system. I'd also like the DAC to be capable of upsampling, although if necessary I could add an upsampler to the digital chain at a later time. My preference would be to have it built-in, however.

Any suggestions?
jwglista
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi

Does anyone have any other DACs they would like to mention that are Mid-Priced (Max $600) and warm sounding? I'm battling brightness and mid-range glare in my system. I'm looking to address other areas in my system that may be the cause but should the DAC need to be changed I'd like to know what options are out there.

Thanks in advance.
ritrau
3 posts
 


Jedinite24, you should look at a used Monarchy NM24. It is a 24/96 tube dac, going for $800 or so. There are plenty of reviews around on the Web. If you want a new one you should contact them directly for pricing, it's usually much less than the listed price.
soundgasm
152 posts
 
x2 Ritrau's recommendation of the NM24. Warm as advertised and very very flexible -- give you both SS and tube DAC optionss, plus a decent preamp stage which you can use, or not.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hey Ritrau and Soundgasm

Thanks a lot for the suggestion and recommendations for the Monarcy Audio NM24. Normally I'm really hesitant to buy an all-in-one type of component but man oh man just doing some quick checks on the MA website and this forum the NM24 is the real deal. I like having the ability to choose b/w both the Tube and SS DAC. I have more research to do.

Thanks again.
jwglista OP
206 posts
 
Wow a 5 year old thread of mine. My how my system has changed since I posted this. But as for your question, I've got a PS Audio Digital Link III which I find to be pretty smooth sounding. I don't know if I'd call it overly warm, but it does have a very engaging sound to it.
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