Hi everyone, I am looking for recommendations for a warm balanced dac to pair with the thx 789. Some days my hearing can’t take highs very well and was hoping to find a dac instead of eq to use. One less object in the chain. Any suggestions would rock.
SMSL SU 8 with the “Tube” Sound Option could help - but why don´t you look for rolled of highs in a headphone instead? there are lots of solutions… LCD 2C or Meze 99 Classic…
Was debating on going that route as well. I don’t own any of the warm headphones to see if that helps. May have to try that route instead. Was curious if warm dacs were out there. Any recommendations sub 500$ for now? I can’t do to much more that for now. Appreciate your response and info. Did not know the su-8 had tube rolling simulation.
Sennheiser HD 6xx for 220 Dollar over Drop - rolls off like made for you but not as huge soundstage if this is not so much important for you.
Or invest in a iFi iTube2 - for in between your DAC and the 789 Amp- is also on my list
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From my understanding of how DACs work, they are very unlikely to change the sound signature much, and you don’t really want the to. You want a DAC to play your music true to its source. Plus, you don’t really buy a 789 for a warm signature. You buy it because it make your headphones sound true to their signature. The 789 is clean, neutral power that gets out of the way of your headphones.
If you want something warmer, your best bet is to buy a headphone that is warmer. That will always be the biggest difference in signature. Sure, some amps sound different, but if you already have a 789, I wouldn’t bother buying an amp ever again.
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Thanks for all the help guys, think I’ll get me some 6xx’s to start and try them out. Appreciate civil discussion. 
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That would be a great pairing with the 789.
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