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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
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
APlhifi-usa, Hi Alex, thankyou for the post to me, this is exciting news, I got rid of pre-amps many, many years ago!, I run direct to amplifiers now with my digital, interesting technology about your volume control, I have seen over the last couple of years the digital sources running direct to amps, and pre-amps close the gap of performance because technology with volume controls have got alot better, I do not have a record collection, although I love the sound of analog, I do not have other sources, I will be building a second system for multiple sources at a latter time, I have cables for the second system now, currently, I am still building my main system, the digital I have now is quite engageing for what it is, it is temporary, this cd-player will go on second system, I love the sound of it, however, I want a world class digital componet to run direct to my amp to keep the signal intact and as pure as I can get, The ODSE and your APL DSD-S fits the bill for running direct, that is my sole purpose of keeping up with this thread, so Alex, what transport do you recommend for your DSD-S dac?, thankyou.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
matt, you are doing a fine job!, this has been a wonderfull thread to me, a great learning exsperience as well, alot of the brands you have brought to the table were unheard of to me, I'm an ex musician, so do not take this the wrong way, This thread is cool!, Bravo and cheers to matt!, Thankyou for taking YOUR time out of your life to do this thread, you, by no means did not have to share this journey, I will never forget this thread!
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, your wife is a problem.....you need to work on that with the same energy and focus as your dac quest.....
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
matts wife is none of your concern, why do you post such bad opinions here for everyone to see and spoil a great thread!
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Hi Audiolabyrinth,

You are welcome!

There are two choices when it comes to the digital transport.

1. SDT-M reading SD memory cards.

2. CD/SACD player re-designed to a digital transport.

Both send DSD audio data to the DSD-S DAC via a proprietary digital connection, and achieve a very similar sound quality.

Of course, you can also dive in the computer audio based digital sources and use the asynchronous USB input of the DSD-S. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
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