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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
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I was at the show yesterday and the Lampi guys really nailed it. One of the best sounds. So did the Naim/Focal guys (the smaller Focals blew away the larger focals with VAC gear on the 2nd floor.
paul79
173 posts
 
Matt, sticking with class D? A friend with trusted ears has told me that the Mola Mola Kaluga mono's are like nothing he has heard before. I have not yet heard them, but I sure want to.

Cheers!
ketcham
92 posts
 
Hi,

I would like to state that the overdrive se playing red book was significantly better than the emm dac2x playing dsd of the same recording. Better holography, transients and decay. To me more visceral, engaging and organic.

I would strongly consider the sx and either not bother with dsd or have a dsd dac.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Guido - DSD support will be in this future DAC and supported by the D/A chip. It will not be called Overdrive however.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
AudioL - I am one guy, so I usually come out with one new product each year. Sometimes its just a USB module upgrade or a new clock module that can be applied to existing products. The Off-Ramp has gone through 6 generations now over about 8 years. The Overdrive changed from Signature to SE and now will have SX version as well.

The Overdrive SE has been around since early 2012 and it will continue to be sold for a while. There have been 2 or 3 upgrades offered to it over that period.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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