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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
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. 
ejr1953
921 posts
 
I have had a PS Audio DirectStream DAC now for about 18 months and am still discovering new sounds in my 44.1/16 files.  I had to send my media server back to the factory for a repair, and since my streaming services don't have all the albums I enjoy listening to, I started investigating and snagged a PS Audio PerfectWave Transport, with an I2S (HDMI) cable.  This combination from PS Audio is absolutely fantastic.  Immediately upon playing the first CD I noticed much better impact and control in the bass, significantly improved dynamics in sounds like cymbals, better soundstage and just better overall fidelity.

I was so impressed I moved my CD library down to the "man cave" (a major effort!)
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