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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
ricred1
2,058 posts
 
Matt,
I feel your pain! All you can do is report what you hear. Like I’ve said several times, I’ve recently compared my Antipodes DS GT to the DX via an Wireworld Platinum USB cable. My wife and I preferred the DS GT. I questioned my hearing because everyone, including the designer suggest the DX is clearly "better" than the DS GT. As a matter of fact, I emailed Antipodes to make sure I had a current DX. Their response was interesting...they told me to trust my own ears and then suggested my system wasn’t resolving enough to differentiate between the DS GT and DX! I’m going to try one more time and leave the DX on for a couple of days prior to listening.
I use Roon and my IPad to manage my files.
Maybe you just prefer the Aurender N10 and there isn’t anything wrong with that.
mikelavigne
2,200 posts
 

Matt,

wonder if you’ve had any opportunity to try the SGM (Sound Galleries Music) server?

I’ve used it now on the GG, the Nagra HD, the Aqua Formula, and now my new MSB Select II. it’s very, very, good and excels with Roon and HQ Player as well as MQA (which has been surprisingly impressive). in fact, it is designed around and optimizes HQ Player.....although it is flexible enough to move on to another 'engine' should something surpass HQ Player.

I have my NAS sitting upstairs with my files, and the dead quiet SGM sits next to my rack......it’s a dream to use and the support is amazing.

the Select II/SGM combo gets into uber analog territory in many unique ways for digital. and with respect to the thread title, the redbook is to die for.

I read back a few pages but did not see it mentioned, but there are many pages so I might have missed it.

-Mike

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hey Mike. Honored to have you post!!

I'm speaking with them now actually. I left a message with Al and am waiting for him to call back so we can organize an audition. Glad to hear your enjoying your system! I'm really looking forward to getting my Davinci Light Harmonic 2 in to elevate my system that next step, although this ODSX of mine is just flatly stupid good for the $$$. 

Good to see your lurking about. Welcome!
mikelavigne
2,200 posts
 

thanks Matt, good to be here.

i will watch for feedback on the SGM, and Congrats on the LH2!

no doubt there are multiple ’giant-killer’ dacs out there to enjoy these days. OTOH there are also one’s like the LH daV2 which are ’next level’.

cheers.

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
You guys forced me to report before I was done playing and testing. Lol. So now I need to give little updates!!

I adjusted one secondary setting on Roon on the Antipodes which turned off a small file database search setting which I can't imagine will affect anything honestly. But I started playing with something that has implemented a pretty big change which forces me to start comparing from scratch, which is great!!!!

The short explanation....
My ODSE/ODSX has always benefited from placing the Empirical Audio "Short Block" filter between source and DAC. I've related the comparison over and over and it's basically always ended better with it in. It does some subtle filtering, but most importantly divides the 5V USB power supply passing from source to DAC. The Antipodes has both a 5V on and Off USB output on its back. I used the "on" USB output and counted on my shortblock to cut that 5V supply. I just tried removing the shortblock and ran the USB from the 5V off USB output to the DAC (no shortblock in place).....

WOW! What a difference!!!!!!!! 

Emailing Steve after I post this to get his thoughts. I would not have expected this, but it clearly implemented a big change. 

Stay tuned. 

Regarding the DX to DS comparison I can't comment. I do believe that there is equipment that requires higher levels of resolution to get the most out of them. So a DS may sound better then a DX on certain systems. I just don't know since I don't have both to compare. 
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