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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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
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.
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
Ayre CODEX. It has the warmth and relaxed presentation similar to vinyl. New, goes for $2000. Used between $1200-$1350.
Get some 96k/192k FLAC rips of vinyl records and see if you get your DAC setup to play analog sound.  I did that and am very convinced that it's the surface noise and dynamic headroom limitation that gives me all the perceived warmth and depth of analog recordings.  Boy do I sound blasphemous now.