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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
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Wish I understood more of this. Think I'll be sticking with USB servers for the OSDE as Steve said the USB is the best input on his device. So many choices, lol...which is good.
wisnon
700 posts
 
I am not sure that Dac with Ethernet port is a good idea if the barrier from the crud that packetized data like Ethernet (and USB) brings gets thru.

The idea behind the SSR I mentioned above is to stop that cold and get to spdif (OK) or better yet i2S. The Transport has been the neglected stepchild for far too long.

Please read the post by Barrows I linked above very carefully to understand the KEY point I am making.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Winson, I learned from your post, A very good point I must say.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The problem with USB is two-fold:

1) common-mode noise on the cable that is not completely rejected by the USB receiver

2) poor software on the server device

#1 can be mitigated with filters or galvanic isolation. I have done both.

#2 can be mitigated by using a Linux-based server properly configured with good playback software and CODECs

Short of doing both of these, you will have some sonic issues with USB

If you do both, it will be identical in performance to Ethernet renderer, assuming both are implemented similarly. Implementation is everything.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Audioengr, question for you, Are you going to build a streamer?, one with balanced out's and a volume control is what I need!, to be used straight to amplification, an analog quality volume control would be sufficent, let's talk about this, an all in one box solution like this would win!
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