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A DAC that can make digital sound analog?

Hi All,

I have a ModWright Oppo 105D. It’s excellent....but it sure don’t sound like vinyl or tape.

What DACs have you heard that really work like magic on digital audio files? 

I am interested in DACs that kill that digital glare/blare, that gives you that sense of ‘blackness’ or ‘darkness’ to the audio soundscape, really letting you hear into the mix...ya know that layering, space and depth that is very evident on tape.

Very curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!
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Showing 3 responses by n80

n80
1,227 posts
 
This might sound silly, but my modest Schiit Modi 2 Uber does just that.

I like the way CDs sound better than vinyl so for me the effect is not really exactly what I want but it takes the harsh bright edge off of digital recordings.

It might not be up to your sound quality expectations otherwise but it definitely takes the digital edge off a bit. My wife preferred the Schiit to a CD played on the CDP.
n80
1,227 posts
 
“The Heart wants what it wants - or else it does not care”

Emily Dickinson
n80
1,227 posts
 
Not sure if this has been mentioned but the writer in this article finds that the Audio Research CD9’s DAC creates analog-like sound, even compares it to vinyl. Not sure if the DAC can be used separate from the transport.

(Edit: It can and even has a USB input.)

I’m also guessing it costs a fortune.

(Edit: It does. $13,000.)
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