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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
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
755 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth, they are kidding.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I'm officially holding off on my next DAC audition (Allnic and Romulus) until my room is done. The guy who is providing some of my room treatments (Vicoustics) is also an Allnic dealer. I reached out to Joh about a January/Feb audition of the Romulus Sig; waiting to hear back from him.

Sheetrock goes up Sunday and next week. All electrical is done. Then spakle, molding, paint, carpet, treatments, furniture and stereo in. Realistically hoping for a mid to late January move in.

If any news, I'll update you on the Burmester situation. Keep your fingers crossed.

Has anyone heard the new Cary DAC? Is it a player?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Beeswax - what you say is far from the real truth. The SQ of DACs has little to do with the generation of chips used. Async technology is a big improvement as far as reducing jitter, but the design and implementation are still much more important. Its really easy to use the latest and greatest chips and technology and achieve a really harsh and fatiguing sound. There rae dozens of examples of this out there. What is hard is to use older chips and achieve a really pleasing, analog sound, with no detail or frequencies masked.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Lloydc, Man!, I feel gullable at times, I fell for that,thanks for the realization of the truth, I take this thread serious, I bet they are laughing off their chairs, good one fellows.
zephyr24069's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
zephyr24069
1,244 posts
 
One company that uses 'older' DAC chips and pulls off amazing sound is AMR. Their reference DAC is not only available at a killer price but also offers amazing results, very musical, detailed and pleasing!
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