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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
We used JRiver on both systems.

Matt - I don't understand why you would use Jriver.  Don't these servers have their own optimized playback software?

My own comparisons with USB of Jriver and Amarra always showed Amarra to be better anyway.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,929 posts
 
Does Amara have  a Windows version?

I think the memory player can only run Jriver.
bill_k
939 posts
 
@toetapaudio - According the following article Mark Gurvey (Source Systems Ltd.) is apparently the US importer for fidata. https://www.stereophile.com/content/fidata-hfas1-network-audio-servers
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

I think Amarra is still only available for Mac.  I run Jriver on Mac as well.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Memory Player can run anything. JRiver, Tidal, Roon, etc. but only certain types of software can take advantage of the single core system they employ (no idea how it works) to get the most out of their system. 

Steve, as far as I know both Baetis and MP recommend using JRiver as their software of choice. I asked Sam about Amarra and he said he didn’t think it was Windows compatible. 

It apears Amarra is available on windows. I have Sam checking out the free trial version. He’s a bit under the weather so I’m not rushing him.....

Hey Sam, are you done yet? 😇
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