2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Matt - I had the Chord Qute here and it needed a better power supply and even then the bass was disappointing. Highs had amazing focus and detail however.

Is the Hugo better on bass?

BTW, ctsooner - I have designed a dual-mono, fully balanced-only class-A headamp based on the output stage of my Overdrive SX.  Really excited about this product.  Calling it "Eliminator". First protos hopefully early next year.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi Steve. I don’t use the Hugo2 on my stereo. Only headphones. It’s sufficient top to bottom using headphones. My stereo system is a different level; and I did try out the Chord DAVE. It was very good but I found its low frequencies couldn hold ultimate control the way your ODSX and ultra high end DAC’s did. 
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Chord fans always get upset with me as I say their bass is not as good as my Ayre, my ODSE/SE or any other 10k plus DAC I've listened to.  I know many others feel the same way.  

Steve, just send a demo along for my to review ;)....ha....I know we spoke about you making one.  When you are ready, let me know and I'll get you hooked up with the headphone community.  Great bunch of guys and from all over the world. Even more so than 2 channel audio I think.
Post removed 
ricred1
2,005 posts
 
ctsooner,
I own the Chord Dave and I’m not upset with you. I’ve own the PS Audio Directstream, Bricasti M1, and Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC. I’ll take the bass, mids, highs, and musicality of the Dave every time. I’m getting the Blu 2, which to my ears brings the Dave to another level.
More to discover