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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

From what I have heard some of the newer class-D amps are as good or better than the best SS amps, but tubes still win IME.

I have custom DC-coupled 805 SE tube monoblocks that even beat the AR stuff.  Nothing I have heard comes close to these.  The right tubes are essential though.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Matt - when are you going to break-down and get the best server on the planet, the Antipodes?

This is what I have been using at shows with the Overdrive SE and SX.  Nothing touches it IMO.  Reviewed recently in Stereophile.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Matt,  I  look forward to your impressions of the Aesthetix Romulus Eclipse player,  however,  their site says 24/192 only,  this includes this player,  sigh!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Steve - I had the top of the line Antipodes in my room (one that was well broken in) and I was not impressed in comparison to my sup'd up Mac Mini. It wasn't close, to be honest. And this was using your wonderful ODSE. The Aurender N10 is a petter performer in every perceiveable way (in my system). Sorry. 

I'm not sure what other servers you have directly compared it to, but to my ears it's not king of the hill. Or even prince.....
jwm
918 posts
 
Aesthetix does 2X DSD through USB.
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