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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
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Darn I'm sorry Matt.  Hope it gets resolved quickly.  getting my Rhea phono back Saturday.  Bought it from a guy who does a lot of stuff on this board and I got it dead out of the box. Said it was new tubes direct from Aesthetix.  Turned out to be older model and wasn't opened since Dec 14, 2014.  He got it from a dealer in Cali and never opened it (he sells most of this guys used/trade in gear a few of us think).  If he doesn't pay the 312 for labor (the company gave me the parts as they felt badly for me.  Jim White and Glenn over there are AWESOME.  Just like Steve.) I will share all names of the parties involved and post on nearly every board I can think of. One of the posters in this thread nearly purchased a used Ayre amp, but noticed it was hammered and backed away.  Same dealer and seller ;).  

Matt, get well quickly. I hope to get the Melco N1ZH as soon as it gets it's US release.  
jh901
67 posts
 
EC Designs Mosaic T

Hoping some of you can audition this one.

Epic thread "Building the ultimate NOS DAC using TDA1541A" on DIY audio.  (the chip was dropped along the way for custom design)
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Packing up the amp for service this week. 

Hoping to try out the USB tomorrow to see if it's the ODSE or the cable. Might need to send the ODSE to Steve....ill keep everyone posted. 
jh901
67 posts
 
^Ugh.  I'm having gear problems too.

Anyhow, anyone have their eye on the EC Designs Mosaic T?

Also, would the new DAC from Playback Designs be completely outclassed by the ODSE and others under discussion in this thread?

-Josh
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Playback Designs has a great reputation. I don’t ever make a comment about a DAC without hearing it. The ODSE has outclassed several very high level dacs before though....

So I finally tried the ODSE with a few different USB cables and 2 different sources. The issue is infrequent but does continue to happen. I’m sending my ODSE back to Steve for a looksi. If doable, he will gut my unit and upgrade to an ODSX with a small  wad’o’dough. How cool would that be!!!

Still waiting for my Emm.....

Amp is on its way for repairs. I'm down and without my wonderful system. Sigh. 
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