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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi Matt, I applaud giving the EMM DA-2 a thorough break-in before posting your impressions. How many hours in total are you planning to put on it before posting?


Saluti, G.  

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
This thread can keep going for a LONG time and stay relevant with all the new digital coming out.  I am vacillating on going with Aurender N100H or the N10.  Big price difference, but need to hear them side by side and no dealers I know have both set up.  Matt, can't wait for you to get the new OSDE back...
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Guido - 1000 hours. No less. 

CT - agreed. I have heard the N10 extensively and it's insanely good! The N100H is a scaled down product. As we all know, the law of diminishing returns exists with all of these high end products. I would imagine for your needs either would be fine. 
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
That's what I've been thinking Matt I've heard all of them and am impressed. I will wait until fall though with so many new options coming our way in regards to products and user interfaces. I like the Aurender app enough where I don't see the need for Roon. I do wonder how good their A1 will be as they know how to make a good DAC I'm sure. Doubt it will be in the same league as the OSDE though
ricevs
1,543 posts
 

If you have a DAC that can do high speed DSD.......from what I have read....then you really want HQplayer on your Server/AudioPC. Seems everyone who has heard it is raving about DSD upsampling with HQplayer. The new $4000 T+A DAC can do DSD512 and has discrete DSD decoder. Check out What’s Best for info and also Computer Audiophiles description of the Berlin show and the comments that follow. The Gustard DAC that I am modding can supposedly do DSD512 and we are working on getting 512 going in the next couple of weeks.

Of course, the new Meitner is already upsampling everything to DSD1024.....however, it still might sound better using HQplayer to upsample to 512 first. Trouble is, the Meitner (at this time) is limited to taking DSD 128 into its usb port. This is weird since there are DSD256 files available to download.

You can make your own audio only PC that can run Roon and HQplayer at the same time.....Roon to select and HQplayer to play through its better sounding upsampling software. John Makela (Quadman) has made an audio PC for not much money that combined with some usb isolators interfaced into a level one modded Gustard playing 128 or 256DSD via HQplayer sounds better than his $20,000 turntable with a $5000 cartridge. And this is just playing 16/44!!!!! Information on how to make such a computer is on my website (tweakaudio.com) linked off the Gustard mod page. I will be making one soon. The modded Gustard sounds outrageous just playing 16/44 files......what is it going to sound like upsampling files to 512 via HQplayer?.....cannot wait! This should be fantastic!

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