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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
 

Just like the OR5.  I2S, AES and S/PDIF out.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Richfield - the ground-loops are obvious in any system.  Testing to see if they are gone is simple, just unplug the AC cords and use an ohmmeter between the grounds.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

dgarretson
2,617 posts
 
JWM, thanks for your download on CES 2016.  After reading Valin's sycophantic praise for the Martin Logan Neolith as best in show I feared for my sanity. I have heard the Neolith sound uniformly mediocre at Axpona and RMAF in rooms of varying size and with very high end electronics.  Something is rotten in Denmark at the Absolute Sound.       
paul79
174 posts
 
Steve,
Very cool. So DSD over Dop at the SPDIF--AES/EBU outputs? When will the OR6 be prime time? Cost? Come with Dynamo or this optional as well?

Does your Power Block Galvanic isolate??
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

I use the OR6 with both Dynamo and Power Block to good effect. I wish I knew when it will be available. The OR6 has the galvanic isolation, so the Power Block and server is on one side and the Dynamo and OR6 is on the other side of the isolation. OR6 has an initialization bug that comes and goes that prevents 176 and 192 without errors, so it is not ready for prime-time. I did not design the custom XMOS firmware for this, it was contracted, so that may be the issue.

In the meantime, I am working on the Interchange, which is a Network Streamer with wired Ethernet connection. If the OR6 does not pan out, the Interchange will replace it.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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