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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
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
11-08-14: Mcondon
Well, if the sound of the PS Audio Bridge is representative of what Ethernet has to offer, count me out. I thought the Bridge, which streamed audio via an Ethernet connection, sounded awful.
I had a PS PWDMKII w/bridge and it sounds wonderful in my system. It also sounds wonderful in 2 other systems I heard so I think the problem is somewhere else in your system. Bridge was best digital input for PWDMKII in terms of SQ.

My complain with the bridge is instability. I have to reboot it daily. Every few hours, it just stops playing. I hold my breath with every firmware release whether if it will work or inferior SQ. I could go on and on ... I'm done with PS Audio until they have their act together.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Melb - some things that are still variables, even with DLNA is the CODECs for compressed music on the computer. They can screw up the SQ. Also, the S/W that formats the data to send to be packetized. That can be screwed-up.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
paul79
174 posts
 
Alex
Thanks for the link on the QA660. Very nice price! I find no mention of it supporting DSD though... Is this just not updated on their site yet?

Also, I am very interested in your new product, SDT-M. This looks very interesting! Do you have a projected release date? Also curious to your findings in comparison to your other player :)
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Steve, thanks for your input. It's not a simple equation!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi all, I'm in construction and would love opinions, suggestions, comments about my dedicated room build.

I'm posting on my Virtual System page. Please read and comment ASAP to let me know your thoughts. Room is being wired up in next 2 weeks and then rocked.
So changes now=easy. Changes after rock = hard and expensive.
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