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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi Matt, which class D Rowland amps specifically have you listened to and compared to ?


Saluti, and Happy New Year! Guido

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Guido. Still only heard the Daemon. No others. I was very impressed considering I was listening to a pair of YG Sonja which I typically find overly analytical and not engaging. 
rgs92
974 posts
 
Thank you mattnhshilp! I'd be curious to know if it sounds calm in the upper midrange and with higher-pitch vocals.
calvinj
2,320 posts
 
Resonessence mirus dac is at CES in Vegas this week being used at the High fidelity cables booth

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

From what I have heard some of the newer class-D amps are as good or better than the best SS amps, but tubes still win IME.

I have custom DC-coupled 805 SE tube monoblocks that even beat the AR stuff.  Nothing I have heard comes close to these.  The right tubes are essential though.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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