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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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emcdade
58 posts
 
I'll never understand the PS Audio Directstream love.  It sounded distant, soft, and boring in my system.  Too laid back.  Maybe it was just poor synergy but yeeesh.  The touchscreen they use on there makes it look super dated as well, the credit card swiper at wal-mart looks better.

The T+A DAC 8 DSD sounded much, much better in my system, and it retails for $2k less.  It really takes that "digital" sound and throws it out the window, particularly at 512 DSD.  The soundstage is massive and 3D.  It has tremendous body with vocals and bass has great weight.  It has very high resolution without sounding skeletal and uninvolving - and that is a RARE combo in the DAC world.

mahler123
633 posts
 
I’ve used Mytek and Bryston DACs, after upgrading from an Opp 105.  Both are fantastic, with the Bryston being a bit less clinical sounding.  The Mytek have multiple filter options that you can experiment with and are MQA compatible
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I second the Marantz SA-10 as a great device to use as a DAC to get spectacular sound from digital.Add in some general AC treatment too.
gregm
3,021 posts
 
As one who still listens to TTs, I would recommend a latest tech "DAC+ regenerator/re-clocker/ reviver, etc combo" —which is what I was loaned by a dealer trading-in my trusty old PS Audio PW....
To my ears (analogue, remember) the sound is excellent: very open and detailed, not harsh - i.e. not "digital" - excellent dynamic punch, powerful bass and a great sense of "air", hence, three-dimensionality. The 2-box combo I was loaned comes under the unlikely names of "Master-time" reclocker / regenerator, etc, & "Ayazi Mk-2" no less (DAC)* and is probably inexpensive as hi-end things go.
My digital front-end is either a PC/ MusiChi or Mac/ Audirvana. Currently looking for inexpensive cables to improve upon the bog-stard usb stuff.
Anyway, this combo works so I’m guessing regeneration is good for the dac?
*The trade-in was in the UK, not the US
mr_m
1,087 posts
 
Ayre CODEX. It has the warmth and relaxed presentation similar to vinyl. New, goes for $2000. Used between $1200-$1350.
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