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
Agear - The ODSX will have option of having USB or Ethernet input.  The current USB is M2Tech but I suggest waiting until the XMOS is figured out.  Steve is creating a new device where Ethernet converts to I2S.  This is different than his Offramp 6 that will soon be released as well that handles DSD throughput.  The Ethernet to I2S can either be an external unit or an internal unit for the ODSX in place of the USB.  Given my personal experience, I believe the internal Ethernet to I2S will beat Ethernet to high grade server to ODSX by USB.

What is said here about the Plasmatron makes sense.  My voltage varies from 116 to 126, sometimes more.  It is necessary in my system when not running tube dacs.  They seem to tolerate voltage changes better for some reason.  I live in the same region as Steve Nugent and reason he has the same issues as I do.  This is likely why we both find it favorable.  So much so I gifted a 220V version to a friend in Korea.

I also would not be so critical about Matt desire to sell his Plasmatron.  Great, I highly suggest someone take him up on his offer.  They do not come up the resale market.  At least I have never seen one.  Like Matt, as my system evolved over the years, I have many times purchased something and was not satisfied then sold it at a loss.  In total I estimate 50% of cost of my system!  This is why I appreciate everyone's endeavors here.  It helps save money.  Ironically, Matt approached me before the beginning of this thread to purchase my EMM dac2x but I talked him out of it.  I was never satisfied with its sonic signature.  Instead I told him about the Overdrive.  18 months later he acquires an EMM and loves it!  My unit was a very early build and there were hardware improvements this last year.  Maybe it is the unit or it is our perception.  This highlights the importance of auditioning gear regardless of what people say.  EMM audition was not an option back then.  ...audition in your system is essential.  

(Of interests: I sold my EMM DAC2x for $7800 and was difficult because dealer(s) were selling newly built, sealed, from factory units for same or less!).   Summer is a low sale season and dealers often are looking for a quick sale.  EMM is a respectable company and grew up on their Museatex line.  The EMM great dac but not to my taste.  I found the ODSE to be much better and many others for the fraction of the price.

My gear sold in mint condition cheap, the Plasmatron will be a deal for the next guy.

I hope to hear Matt's system in person someday.  Glad his endeavors have paid dividends.


My Emm DA2 is delayed due to manufacturing delays. I'm dying to compare the Emm top dog to an ODSX!

Right now im trying out some power cables to see what best suits my amps. I want to get my power cables settled and my conditioning under wraps as I feel that requires my primary attention right now. I still like the Shunyata gear very much and am inclined to stick with it at the price point I'm at. Once I sell the Plasmatron and my Vienna speakers I can pull those triggers and then finish trying out a few more servers before I make a final decision. By then, hopefully my Emm DAC will be in and I can give you all impressions....

thanks Ketcham and CT and all of you for the supportive words. This thread is so much fun and has taken on a life of its own.
Much more than what it started out as, however it's still digital at the core.
agear - if I can get 176 and 192 working reliably, I will launch the new XMOS module.. If not, it will be the Interchange using Ethernet.

The firmware/CPLD design is not mine, and I think there is an initialization bug.. the designer has dissappeared....

Steve N.

I had the opportunity to upgrade my Bricasti M1 to the new Special Edition version. This version is the is identical to the Limited Edition Gold version inside but has the original M1 exterior. You can read the particulars on the Bricasti website. The change involves stillpoints footer built into the feet, point to point wiring inside, more power supply changes and a few other items. Now the sound difference. I was small difference but am very pleased with what I'm hearing. First of all the dynamics are much more explosive and deeper more refined bass. I am noticing better decay and improved leading and trailing edge performance. Before the upgrade the M1 already outperformed the mighty Berkeley Reference in my system to my ears and now it wouldn't even be close. Brian and the Bricasti team are constantly looking for ways to improve the product and than they make the upgrades available at reasonable prices to all owners make this DAC one of the best on the market at any price.

Jeff