Input/Output line level transformers for digital glare

If you are willing to spend the money, get them from Jensen. They also have isolation boxes which include two transformers, and all the in and outputs you need.  By all means try it.

Did we talk about what speakers you are using though? Maybe the real problem you are having is an exaggerated top octave or two. But over the past 4 years specifically a lot of really good sounding DAC's have come onto the scene, such as Mytek, Schiit. Portables such as the Fiio, Pono and the UFO DSD DAC also sound really great.

I think you said you tried the Schiit and you found it "glare"ing. If that's true, I don't think it's the DACs you are listening to though. I find the Schiit a bit on the warm side.

Best,

Erik

Erik & Atmosphere;

I might be nuts!
You guys had a few questions:
speakers: Thiel 
I've upgraded all the cables, power and amps
All changes were smoothing, way less glare,and detail adding to the positive 

and!

I went from cd ( Mac mini) to Tidal and Amarra with parametric eq
My pants fell down over the improvement in quality of the streaming  recording from ripped crap cd's!!!!

Anway, I've tried to look at improving the Dac and preamp.

All the tubed preamps I've listened to have been marginal improvement in digital glare, so next thought is DAC 

Ive read a few reviews and listened to DAC's that have seemed to offer digital glare improvements on the 80's compressed rock that is my "test"( it's always on the cymbals sounding like they are " hissing" at me)
All good albums sound real smooth to me on my system (Peachtree DAC)

so, My dilemma is maybe not solvable?

My "test " is a Rush song called " Red Barschetta" that I found great on a lp in the treble & cymbals, but streaming or cd, nope!

So, I continue my search and incessant questions!     I am nuts!

Dac's I've listened to so far: Metrum, Exogal, benchmark, Lavry, and next Lampizator Atlantic, I'm hoping 
preamps: Conrad Johnson, Primalyna, arc, etc

Crazy Jeff

If these are Jim Thiel era- Thiels, then I'm quite sure what the problem is. Your hearing is far too good for your age. You either have to get an excessively warm/mellow DAC's like the ARC DAC 8, more neutral speakers like modern Monitor Audio, or a digital EQ to tone down the treble.  For YOU and YOUR symptoms, stay away from B&W/Golden Ear or Triangle.  I'm not sure how much of the Thiel sound is on-axis. With some speakers reducing toe-in can realy diminish the top octave glare.

A good inexpensive compromise if you absolutely love your speakers on vinyl is the $170 miniDSP nano. It will sit before your DAC and let you apply very subtle and versatile EQ.

https://www.minidsp.com/products/minidsp-in-a-box/nanodigi-2x8-b

Another approach is to add more room treatment which will reduce the treble output, if you don't already have it. This is always a good choice, contact GIK Acoustics, as the acoustic treatments will outlast your gear. :)

Best,


Erik

My "test " is a Rush song called " Red Barschetta" that I found great on a lp in the treble & cymbals, but streaming or cd, nope!

It may not be the fault of the digital gear that this sounds bad. It might just be a poor transfer. If other recordings sound OK (against the LP in particular) then I would not use this as a reference.