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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
 

Interesting review on the $16k Berkeley Reference Multibit Dac, from Absolute Sounds.

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/berkeley-audio-design-alpha-dac-reference-series/

Cheers George
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Guidocorona, I enjoyed reading your professional review of the merril Veritas amplifiers,very well written I must say, thankyou, you know, Tbg-norm is a reviewer as well, cheers
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Audiolabirynth, Veritas is a very lovely amp. Worth listening in one's own home.

Norm is a fine reviewer... BTW, we are both very fond of the HFC wire products designed by Rick Schultz in Dallas. The HFC Ultra PCs do amazing thing to my electronic components, M925 amps included.

Guido
ricevs
1,543 posts
 
The Berkeley Reference is not an R to R DAC. It is the cheap Analog Devices AD 1955 chip.....it is a "multibit Delta Sigma DAC" Not the same at all as R to R. I think Rowland and Empirical use this DAC chip as well.

MSB has been using a discrete R to R DAC for many years....at least 10.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
There is nothing cheap in cost nor performance about the Berk Ref DAC, the Rowland Aeris nor the OverDrive. I haven't heard the Berk yet, but its reputation is excellent. I'm not sure about the Aeris DAC using the AD, I'm sure Guido can comment, but I think you are correct that the AD is used in the ODSE. My ODSE can rub elbows with dacs costing several times its price and I've heard most of them. Just because it's got an R to R doesn't make it, by default, better. So much depends on implementation and design......
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