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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
abedirov's avatar
abedirov
63 posts
 
Matt, my experience is different. Out of the several dacs I've heard in my system only Lampizator models did not need USB power MSB, Bricasti, Hegel, all required a powered USB connection. 
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Most music servers don't give you the choice. I use the ShortBlock only with the ODSX since it's designed to put it in line and it typically sounds best with it in. I have run all other DAC's with an uninterrupted USB cable. But the ODSX I always have used the Short Block. I will ask Davinci what they suggest. 
abedirov's avatar
abedirov
63 posts
 
If Davinci does not require a powered USB connection, and N10 do not give you a choice to switch the power off, then, to have an absolutely fair comparison, you need an unpowered USB cable like Sablon to put N10 on equal terms with the Antipodes:)) 
aolmrd1241
1,039 posts
 
Hello Guido...PS Audio has raised the bar significantly with their latest firmware update called 'Huron'. It makes all other previous updates to the dac sound broken by comparison. Maybe a new audition would be relevant to the discussion.  Just saying.    
dgarretson
2,598 posts
 
Curious if Matt or anyone out there has tried or intends to compare any of these high-end servers to the "lightweight" alternative of an SOtM SMS-200 Ultra and tX-USBultra and NAS.  So far I've had good luck with the NAS/microRendu approach, powered by a Paul Hynes SR7.  I may compare this to the SOtM combo, powered by SR7 and synchronized to a SRS Perfection 10 rubidium master clock(also powered by SR7) that clocks my Esoteric K-01X.  That synchronizes all critical components to a single master clock with PPB precision.    
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