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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
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Sure, I understand! Thank you for your valuable time, Matt!

Please also don't forget trying the DSD64 setting from the corresponding button on the remote.

Report on the high-res would be very nice. There are so many SACD's available. You can always check what is out there on SACD on this site: http://sa-cd.net/

You can also check: http://www.acousticsounds.com where you can find DSD downloads as well.

This article here gives various links to high-res downloads too, including DSD: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-abcs-of-dsd-downloads/?page=5

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
bigkidz
3,392 posts
 
Contact me and I will build you a DHT DAC that will blow all these away.

Happy Listening.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
How refreshingly self-afacing BigKidz.... What is the name of your company?

G.
bill_k
918 posts
 
Bigkidz, I respectfully suggest that you advertise your product by purchasing a listing.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
BigKidz - Thank you for your generous offer. But I have my time dedicated to burning in my new ODSE and to giving Alex's DSD-S the time it deserves as he so generously offered to get the DAC to me for an honest and public evaluation. I must credit Alex for his willingness to put his kit out on the line so publicly, knowing that I will "say it like I hear it." Real time, no opportunity to stop the presses or amend the review… It speaks boat loads as to his confidence in his product and the quality and reliability of performance he expects of his own gear.

If you feel that your DHT DAC can truly "blow the other gear away" then I suggest you spend the next 30 days burning in a version of your DHT DAC with a USB input and balanced XLR outputs and then send me your DAC to audition in my current system, permitting me to report my findings to the masses as I have done so far. To be honest, if it is burned in already then I only need it for a week to get a solid feel for where it stands in relation to the other DAC's I have auditioned.

I am happy to put the time in if you are willing to accept the challange. Remember that USB from my computer is my only source, and I play almost exclusively 16/44. Although I am looking for some high res here and there since it seams to be a bit more available then it was before. But my goal is the best damn 16/44 I can get.

Alex was kind enough to provide me with some high res music so I think its worth while to start trying at least one or two songs high res just for fun...

Your call BigKidz. Put your DAC to the test and I'll be glad to report if it truly can blow away the others. My methods are very clearly presented, and multiple examples of my listening techniques and tastes are in this thread.

I am, by no means (Agear and RSF507) trying to add ANOTHER DAC to my list. My end goal is to just listen to music. But a statement as bold as BigKidz made most certainly deserves an opportunity to prove it. No?
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