Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

That's an informative article by Elberoth.

UPDATE: I cheated it by 4 days. But I did my comparison. I just couldn't wait any longer.

CD ripped from my playlist.

Dsd/no filter: absolutely the lowest noise floor; but artificially so. It sounds like a noise gate is in place. I agree, edgy. Digital. Filtered, which is funny considering it's the setting without any filters.... Like the complexity of the music had been removed to fit. Imagine cropping the Mona Lisa to fit in a 2x2 passport photo.... Not my taste. But imaging was laser point...

S-Dly1/4x up conversion - warm, musical, a bit mushy at times. Like tubes, but not as good as tubes done really well. Sound stage was deep and wide. Imaging a bit soft, but not bad. Still enjoyable and I could easily see using this setting on overly bright recordings.

S-Dly2/4x up conversion - oh yeah. That's the ticket. Not sure why they really have the other settings to be honest.... But people like choices. Musical while retaining accuracy, engaging, wide, deep, sure footed and dynamic.

Next it's to start trying the USB input and use it as a DAC.

I'll keep you posted.

-Matt

Hi Matt, your K-01 findings match my own 100% this far. Very curious about K-01 behavior as a pure DAC using USB input.... Never used K-01 as a DAC.

G.

It's cooking as we speak (or type). another 500 hours puts us at 11/24.

I have bought a few SACD to try out on the K-01.

My attitude is this:

1) I will compare the K-01 to my beloved ODSE as a standalone DAC sourced from my MAC mini. I am dripping with curiosity to see how they compare.
2) I will relax and enjoy the SACD performance from the K-01 after 11/24 to see how much better SACD can be.

I am not really expecting the K-01 to beat the ODSE as a standalone DAC; but as I have done so far, I will be objective and do it right.

Then I need to decide if I like the SACD thing enough to justify keeping the K-01 long term. Of course, if I do end up liking the DAC in the K-01 more then the ODSE then it'l be a no brainer.

The idea of a dedicated music server does intrigue me as it will obviously be my final source. My Mac mini gives me some conveniences that no other system will offer since much of my music is purchased (routinely) on iTunes and syncs instantly to my Mac. No server will do that (I think)…. When I go the server route I will need to manually transfer each and every new album purchased on iTunes to my Server(as far as I understand, there is no way to point a Server to my iTunes folder on my Mac to stream the music from there).

Of course, I read in the manual today that there is a digital pass through feature on my K-01 that allows me to output the USB input through the SPDIF co-ax output and essentially use the K-01 as a USB to SPDIF converter; a really really freakin expensive USB to SPDIF converter…. LOL

On a side note, i am starting construction of my new dedicated listening room this Friday.

AUdiolabyrinth - I read that article. His impressions agree with both of ours. And with Steve's. The BEST DAC is one with a built in USB to i2S converter that is top tier. As he stated, even MANY ultra exotic DAC's have crappy, inexpensive USB converters built in.

That is why the new BA Reference DAC doesn't have a USB input. They expect you to use their external USB-SPDIF conveyer if you need USB in. I respect that and wish more high end companies just went that route.

I have said, and will say again, that I think one of the big reasons my OSDE keeps beating the competition is because of its internal Off Ramp tecnhnology. Look at Alex's DSD-S as an example. He spent the time and money to put in a solid USB input and his DAC clearly showed that.

If you have a spinner or a Music Server as a source - anything with SPDIF out (or i2s) then my comparison may not be 100% applicable for your needs. But if you are using a computer as a music source, the ODSE is practically impossible to beat for close to it's price.