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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Thanks Bill you kind of echo my thoughts.

From my listening experience if originally recorded in PCM 16/44.1 then the best way to listen is via proper implemented R2R ladder Multibit dac 16/44.1 conversion.

If that same 16/44.1 is played back using Delta Sigma, it worse tha the Multibit

Again if that same recording is re-done into DSD (HiRez) and played back via Delta Sigma type dac to me it is still worse.

The only time DSD "may" to me sound better, is when it's recorded from the beginning using DSD, not that I have ever heard it yet.
And I would like to hear normal mainstream artist, not special one offs of obscure artist/bands just to show off the DSD format.

Cheers George
mikelavigne
2,200 posts
 
As it stands I believe I am the first in the world to have this system and I am utterly disgusted at al of you for not thinking of it sooner. It is the proverbial "No Brainer".

Matt,

I enjoyed your 'poke' at all of us audio nerds who take ourselves too seriously. yes.....we can get carried away and self absorbed. but if it makes each day a little richer and makes the music reproduction better then what the heck. anyway thank you for entertaining us and I can't believe you have not had more comments.....are we really that caught up in our own stuff?

I have to admit that I'm typically as bad as anyone.

time to lighten up.....

cheers!
wisnon
700 posts
 
Paul, you are always OK with me man. I was away for 4 days and so couldn't respond.

Keep your suggestions coming. Sorry if I made it seem like they are not welcome...they are!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Bill_k, DOP needs computer time to convert back to DSD, that latency means more processing time. It is much better to keep DSD in DSD. It is true that it is all just math but DOP require more computation and choosing what to do with in-between numbers.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Speaking of DSD, I just picked up an FIM DXD cd which was recorded AND mastered in 24-bit 352.8 kHz resolution onto a 99.9999% silver disc. I accept that my Vitus SCD-025Mk2 cdp will still be playing that in RB standard, but it should be a great recording which I think it is more important than the format imho.
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