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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Mike - how's the Trinity treating you?

The purpose built power conditioner for the MSB is supposed to be arriving today so I'll be able to add that in and get final thoughts on the MSB DAC.

The settings are interesting. I don't notice big differences at all on the Upsampling options but the filter changes dramatically change the sound. I'll play some more and report.
mikelavigne
2,200 posts
 
Is it just laziness?

most high end forums are run by audiophiles....and use generic software which gets updated as part of the licensing.

Audiogon is a business with a closed/unique piece of software. the forum part is an 'expense'....and not a 'fun thing' for them. not saying they are not nice people or don't want to help. but it costs money.

what would be their ROI on making the change?

there is your answer.
hew's avatar
hew
159 posts
 
Not derail the thread much more, but it seems they are about to update the forum interface in a big way. I just got a link to check out the beta version.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
@Hew, hopefully. I'm with Mike. The current interface is incredibly frustrating, having to log in twice in a row between the old and new platform!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

You may want to wait.
A discrete Multibit 32 x1 bit dcas per channel that supposed to do DSD as well.

Looks like Bruno Putzey of Hypex Class D amp fame has gone to designing a discrete Multibit dac (called the Mola Mola) that uses 32 x 1 Bit dacs per channel, that is capable of doing dsd as well as Redbook.

Production board
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LNvVXCqEtEU/hqdefault.jpg

I think this was the prototype
http://puremusicgroup.com/cart/images/uploads/Moladac_proto-web.jpg

Cheers George
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