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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
 

Hi Labtec, if you go to CES, try to have a look at class D offerings from


* Rowland: possibly present might be

- Daemon superintegrated ($42K), 

- Continuum S2 integrated ($9.5K). Roy Gregory's review at: 

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/jeff_rowland_continuum_s2.htm

- M925 monos ($58K) - based on NCore NC1200,

- M825 stereo (approx $30K - based on NCore NC1200). Marc Michelson's review at: 

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/jeff_rowland_model_825.htm

- M625 S2 stereo (approx $15K - this one running in class A/B).


* Gato might show its newest integrated amps... I suspect you might enjoy more the one based on the Pascal M2-Pro than the S2-Pro version.


* Bel Canto should have its Black System, which is based on customized versions of the NCore NC1200 designed by Bruno Putzeys (approx $50K).


* On A Higher Note is likely to have once again the Mola Mola... It is a fine NCore NC1200 implementation, but you might find it a little forward for your taste.


* Hopefully, Merrill Audio will have its Veritas monos based on NCore ($12K). My review at:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue68/merrill_audio.htm


* Devialet also makes fine class D integrated amps.... I find them a little too peaky for my taste, but my memory is of a 3 years ago, and they are likely to have evolved since then.



rgs92
974 posts
 
So where does the EMMLabs DA2 fit in the with the EMM line with the XDS1/V2 cd player? Is the DA2 a new, better DAC than the one in the XDS1? It sounds that way...
I would think a new cd player would be next if this is so.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Any one have feedback on the aesthetix Romulus Eclipse?,  a lot of money for a player that has an obsolete dac!, A  $900.00 phone will have a Stereo D/A converter from ESS Technology.This converter (SABRE9018AQ2M) debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2015, and is the world’s most powerful 32-bit converter. It features 129dB dynamic range and -120dB (0.0001 percent) harmonic distortion.
jwm
918 posts
 
The Romulus is popular because it sounds good. I'll take their Burr Brown Chip any day over a Sabre.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi jwm, every dac chip I have ever owned has been from Burr-Brown,  however,  I believe for  $13,000.000 a player should be more than 24/192 for Redbook playback,  this has been around for longer than 5 year's,  any cheap player does that standard,  I love Burr-brown chip's sound,  but,  I'm wanting to up grade to the new technology,  129 dynamic range sounds sweet to me,and -120dB for distortion is appealing. 
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