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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Bill is correct.... Worth pointing out that M625 S2 and original, M725, M825, and M925 all make use of PFC rectifiers that feed high voltage DC current in the SMPS. Furthermore, it seems that M625 S2 is a substantial re-design under the hood... Sorry, I do not have too much detail yet, besides the use of ceramic boards, 4-pole caps... There is lots more detail.

G.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I stand corrected. I was told by a Rowland dealer yesterday that the 625 S2 now employs the Ncore. I was surprised but took it for gospel as it came from a dealer I trust. Looks like a nice unit either way.
aolmrd1241
1,046 posts
 
Hey Matt... I'm mating my Merrill Audio Veritas monos with a Primaluna Dialogue Premium line stage preamp and the combo is just plain awesome. Tell your buddy to look into the Primaluna...He wont regret it. A match made in audio heaven. Music just pours out...directly into your ears. No audiophile approved drinking glass needed.
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-24-15: Wisnon
You guys dont even allow for equipment break-in time before you mob Matt for updates.

Let the wine breathe...he just opened the bottle!

My previous post was completely in jest. We are all just a bunch of bored, voyeur losers. I wished I lived nearby so I could bring a bottle of wine over and hear what was going on. This is such a weird, isolationist hobby.

So Matt, is your neighbor snagging the demo pair while you are set on the CU?

I would be curious to see how the Isis sounded with bad boy class A like Clayton, Gryphon, or these:

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-graff-gm-400-beautiful-like-new-2015-09-11-amplifiers-07853-long-valley-nj
wisnon
700 posts
 
Based on how Matt describes the Isis, I suggest that CH precision amps would be a great match. Lots of speed.

T&F shows with Rowland gear at the Zurich show...
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