ct - It requires a computer or ipad.. It is not a computer.. You can use NAS with your computer. . Online content depends on the app.. If you use Jriver I believe you can stream some services.
Steve N.
Steve N.
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 $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.
Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.
I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.
Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?
All opinions welcome.
And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ 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.
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- 4487 posts total
Gustard X20?......what is this? Please check out this thread: http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?19433-Chinese-DAC-shames-a-few-heavy-hitters If you read the whole thread there is a second person who also likes this DAC better than Yggy and Vega. And this thing is stock and costs $870 delivered to your door in less than 10 days! This thing is really well made and has two 8 channel ESS DACs (8 DACs in parallel for each channel). Yes, I have one here and will be working up serious mods to it. The output stage has two op amps and a discrete buffer.....my output stage will be either one Jfet with no feedback or a single killer discrete circuit for I-V conversion for those that need more than one volt. Seems the hot thing is to upsample PCM to double or quad speed dsd using HQplayer (better than jriver, etc....according to some) and then run it into a DAC. Some say this is the best PCM sound ever. The Gustard could be run this way. Check this thread out about doing this using the Nadac: http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?16542-On-the-12th-Day-of-Christmas-my-true-love-gave-to... Can the modded Gustard X20 be as good as $10,000+ DACs? We shall soon see. |
If you will be using CD resolution SPDIF and can find an mhdt Constantine non -oversampling DAC used, jump on it and give it a shot. Should not cost more than $400 used. Then see if you can find something better for a bit more and and sell it if needed. Compare to a big bucks DAC before buying if you can. But personally, having heard and coveted DCS, there are so many good ones it seems for so much less these days, I would drop not that money on a DAC without trying the alternatives first. I’ve had my Constantine for several years and it still charms the pants off me every time. |
- 4487 posts total