but how to get a system that sounded like the best analogue
This is quoted all the time. Why use analogue, why not use live instruments in a real acoustic space.
This is so entrenched that even musicians attempt to emulate the so called analogue sound in new recordings, Mark Knopflers latest "Tracker" is an example. Mark admitted this in a release interview.
I recognise this is about a NOS, in a system somewhat emulated from Audionote whose efforts largely priced themselves into the stratosphere. I'm unable to hear the Phasure NOS or your Signature NOS Dac being neither reside in New Zealand at this point in time. I certainly recognise that NOS is a very valid option and top of my list.
Anyway reading your efforts it probably sounds great(whole system) but possibly on the lean/bright side(guessing but I found this with pure silver cables). I certainly agree with just sitting and enjoying music without fiddling with bits and pieces. Unfortunately fiddling can result in a better sound so should never be ruled out. Fun at times.
You could try Xxhighend on a suitable computer(some computer knowledge required). I've compared it to other audio programs(JRiver, Foobar to name 2) and it still comes out on top. My recent comparison was with Daphile(Linux) running sound in Ram. I do fancy a simpler OS but XXhighend easily beat it using latest W10 14393 Ram file.
Quoting a "Linn" phrase nothing ain't more important than your front end: rubbish in rubbish out. Actually formulated from the famous vinyl LP12 era.
Is digital finally making ground now? I hope so.
All we need is more digital HiRes(24/96/192) quality recordings.
Robert
Cynical 61 year old music/Hi-Fi enthusiast who lives in a nice place with sea and sunshine!!!