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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
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
Matt,
That was a Whomper of an update and I enjoyed reading it!

Glad you finally found the perfect speaker for you. Exciting news about the Emm dac. I have to admit I'm disappointed the Antipodes didn't come out better.

I'm going to stay tuned to read about about your Aurrender and the Romulus reviews.

Thanks!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Matt,
Your written descriptions of what you hear is very well done, when you describe the Isis analogy of the comfortable cabin on the mountain top, that sold me as the speaker which stirred the emotions more deeply with more appeal to the soul(well my interpretation anyway 😃). I admit my bias is toward the organic/holistic end of the spectrum. You make it clear both are quite exceptional in your home system. Again this adventure has been fun and informative.
Best Regards,
Charles,
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,537 posts
 
Thank you for the update Matt. I have been following quietly and enjoy the thread and well written humor.

Having owned the Romulus and finding the $2200 Yamamoto dac to be better, I think your session will not last very long.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,537 posts
 
Another way to say it is the Yamamoto dac with several mods is indeed a contender. No DSD however. No USB so an Offramp is needed with it.
ketcham
92 posts
 
Matt. I am impressed. Well over 18 months ago, and before the birth of this wonderful blog, you approached me about purchasing my EMM DAC2x and I told you what replacing it with...the ODSE! While I personally found the EMM sterile and lifeless, your insight is intriguing. Before I sold the EMM I updated with the newer firmware, I found improvement but not to the level of the ODSE.

After reading Chris Connikar recent review on CA, and trusting your ears I encourage any current EMM Dac2x owner to send their unit back to Calgary and bring your dac to the current HARDWARE, and firmware standard. The unit I sold was an early generation of the 2x. From CA article, EMM has made some significant changes to the DAC2x.

Anyone interested in purchasing one, call Sanjay Patel at Ciamara. He is wonderful to work with.

Matt, and to everyone who contributes to this thread, thank you!
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