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

@cleeds why are you protecting a Supplier, not a hobbyist on a forum you called a hobbyist who is making unsupported dubious claims again to the detriment of this thread????  I did not ask a hobbyist for anything. I asked a supplier. 

deludedaudiophile

@cleeds why are you protecting a Supplier ...

Please stop with your accusations. Now. No one here owes you proof of anything. Your claim to a PhD earns you no special privileges here.

I heartily second ghdprentice's recommendation of the Audio Research CD9 SE. I've owned mine for several years, and have not heard any digital source in my system that equals its liquidity and the dimensionality of recorded space and images. I bought mine used; either new or used, you can get the sound you want at a price well below your ceiing.

@cleeds

I am still waiting for your answer to why you are attacking a hobbyist on a hobby forum for calling out a supplier making a post on a hobby forum that included dubious claims. You are doing this to the detriment and misdirection of this topic. You have now made 3 distracting posts. I am sorry you are offended but I won't apologize for calling out dubious claims from a supplier on a hobby forum. Now please stop wrecking the ops thread.