2. digital
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Distinctly Digital Forever?

Something always made me believe that a decent tube preamp could "mellow" or "naturalize" the sound of digital sources. But this doesn't seem to be so. OTOH, maybe there are DACS out there that not only convert to analog, but actually make digital source components sound like analog sources? So, just to further my understanding: assuming price no object, does there exist any DAC, or DAC/Pre combo, capable of making my streamer (or the best streamer in existence, for that matter) sound indistinguishable from an FM radio signal, given each "playing" the same recording at the same volume with the same EQ?

hickamore
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,835 posts
 

@charles1dad …indeed, add Chord and DCS to that….

Not my cup of tea but i do try to discern strengths and weakness… as i know you do as well.

Best in music - Jim

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,073 posts
 

Border Patrol…while this DAC may float for some, personally any DAC that can’t play files up to 24/192kHz natively is a non-starter. 

thebingster's avatar
thebingster
27 posts
 

+1 on Aqua DACs. Starting with La Voce, then moving up the ladder (no pun intended) to La Scala, then to the Formula.

hickamore OP
537 posts
 

@kota1 apparently I typed "upsampling" when I meant "oversampling." Most or all here seem agreed that "R2R/NOS" is the way to go for a more analog-like presentation.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

It is tough to label a dac as being "more analog" like as many things in the chain contribute, the power, the cable, etc. I use a Sony Signature DAC that can remaster any file into DSD. 

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