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Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi All.

Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.

I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.

Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?

All opinions welcome.

And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.

Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
mattnshilp
jh901
67 posts
 
I'm priced out of Stillpoints and Magico Qpods by quite a long ways.

As for the floor in front of speakers, well, I'm pretty sure that 100% wool effects sound differently than polyester with glue backing. Thought it would be interesting for Matt to consider.

-Josh
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Josh - it's all worth a try as the opportunity offers itself.
Who knows. Maybe it affects things. If I get the opportunity, I'll let you know. I think my wife has a wool rug in a bedroom.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Any opinions on Rockna digital gear? DAC and music server?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
You are right Matt, looking at the web site, Rockna Audio looks, at least on paper, very interesting. The DAC is all based on FPGA, and the server combines a spinning disk player with a server / memory player. I have not found any US prices, the company being based in Roumania.

http://www.rockna-audio.com

The US importer is:

AudioPrana LLC
69 Boston Ave Medford, Massachusetts 02155-3521 United States
Tel.: 617 669 3275
audioprana@gmail.com

G.
jh901
67 posts
 
Matt- which DACs are on the short list to contend with your Empirical once you've settled on speakers, etc.?

I'm curious as to how the DirectStream with Yale firmware would stack up against the ODSE and also a higher priced DAC such as totaldac D1-twelve. Does anyone following this thread have the Yale firmware yet?

-Josh
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