Best DAC with filter options and dsp.

[tobyjug]

I recently bought the excellent smsl PS200 DAC as my first seperate dac.
I believe some more advanced models include filter options, valve amp emulators etc. I want the option to tame a few overnight CDs.
Where would I start on such a quest.?? Relative beginner in digital audio.

 

[staticV3]

Topping and SMSL sell a few DACs with user configurable oversampling filter and distortion generator.

That's not the way to tame CDs which sound piercing, or otherwise off, though.

That's because their effect on the resulting sound is tiny.

What you're instead looking for is a DAC with built-in EQ.

For example:
-miniDSP 2x4HD
-miniDSP Flex
-Topping DX5II
-JDS Element IV
-WiiM Pro

The WiiM is especially nice because you can adjust everything wirelessly, from your phone or tablet.

Alternatively, you could keep the PS200 and insert an analog equalizer between it and the Amp, something like the Schiit Loki+.

Those are even more straightforward since there's no computer interface to learn, but in return you give up precision.

 

[tobyjug]

Topping and SMSL sell a few DACs with user configurable oversampling filter and distortion generator.

That's not the way to tame CDs which sound piercing, or otherwise off, though.

That's because their effect on the resulting sound is tiny.

What you're instead looking for is a DAC with built-in EQ.

For example:
-miniDSP 2x4HD
-miniDSP Flex
-Topping DX5II
-JDS Element IV
-WiiM Pro

The WiiM is especially nice because you can adjust everything wirelessly, from your phone or tablet.

Alternatively, you could keep the PS200 and insert an analog equalizer between it and the Amp, something like the Schiit Loki+.

Those are even more straightforward since there's no computer interface to learn, but in return you give up precision.

OK, Thanks for the info.