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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
wig's avatar
wig
1,267 posts
 
Guys,

I'm considering a Dac again just for Redbook only utilizing my Modwright Marantz SA 8005 Tube CD Player; tried a Berkeley and a Lampizator level 4 with my Modwright Sony 5400 but found them lacking...

Lots of talk about the Yiggy, why and what would you recommend?

Thanks,
Wig
jwm
918 posts
 
Wig your Marantz would not be my choice for transport if used with dacs. I would suggest a PS Audio Memory Player as it is way more transparent than your cd player. I bet you would have liked those dacs more if you had this transport.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

If you are planning to spin CD's, first reduce the jitter from the CD transport, then think about a new DAC.  Either CD player as a transport is fine, but you can minimize the jitter by adding a Synchro-Mesh reclocker ($599.00) and a reference S/PDIF coax cable ($499). LPS upgrade also available.

Here is a typical transport jitter:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0

Much higher than you would expect it to be.

BTW, I also have a demo Overdrive SX DAC that might be available soon.  It could be demoed right away with a refundable deposit.

At least look at the top DACs reviewed by audiostream.  "best bits"

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

wig's avatar
wig
1,267 posts
 
Steve,

Would my Modwright Marantz SA 8005 have to be sent in or is this a plug-play mod? Curious if you have done any jitter samples on this unit but imagine it's similar to the Oppo?

I may not even want a Dac if this will make it even better... Any installed pics of this unit? Curious on how it's connected.
 
I'm an ACircle member also...

Thanks
Wig
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Would my Modwright Marantz SA 8005 have to be sent in or is this a plug-play mod? Curious if you have done any jitter samples on this unit but imagine it’s similar to the Oppo?


No, this is an add-on device that inserts in the S/PDIF cable. a reasonable cable going in and a reference cable going out is what I recommend. I offer an excellent reference cable.

I don’t have any jitter measurements on the Marantz. Almost no Transports have the 20psec of jitter that you get with the Synchro-Mesh.


I may not even want a Dac if this will make it even better... Any installed pics of this unit? Curious on how it’s connected.

Folks with NOS DACs say that the Synchro-Mesh (SM) really wakes them up and improves the dynamics, imaging and detail.

I don’t have installed pics, but it’s really simple:

1) DC power inlet that can be from the included wall-wart or an upgrade LPS.

2) S/PDIF coax on BNC or RCA or Toslink inputs

3) S/DIF coax on BNC or RCA or Toslink outputs

All you need is a cheaper coax cable, like Blue-jeans connected from transport to SM and a reference coax cable from the SM to your DAC.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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