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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
 

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

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Steve, thanks so much for sharing that info. I greatly appreciate it.  So you are working on a network streamer?  Wow, that would be pretty awesome.  I'm sure you have no time frame, but IF you did one, would it have a ripper built in?  Would it work with a NAS?  Just curious.  I do hope that Meridian works with everyone on MQA.  Digital has too many smaller manufacturers and needs to have lower cost things in order for it to thrive.  I know that Onkyo/Pioneer have MQA in their new DAP's.  Can't wait for Tidal to stream it.  They said that the more components that are using it, the better it will sound.  That didn't make sense to me, other than the marketing part of it.  Is there a price point for the streamer?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

This network streamer is only a renderer.  It uses another computer or ipad etc. to drive the music to it over the internet.  I was told to call it a streamer, but I think this might cause confusion.

The pricepoint for the Interchange is $2600-2800 with the Dynamo power supply.  The supply alone is almost $800.


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

kyomi_audio's avatar
kyomi_audio
63 posts
 
We have the first Chord Dave DAC In North America for evaluation. All we can say that it is absolutely stunning and easily compares to 100K systems by Esoteric and DCS. Lots of DACs nows day are optimized for DSD playback but they aren't as great for redbook. This Dave sounds better then the best R2R 16 bit non over sampling redbook DACs while being capable of handling every Hi Rez format in existence. 

Dealer disclosure. 




mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
What’s the US retail on the DAVE?

(that just sounds so stupid. What a silly name. Lol)
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