2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
 
Do you know what the similarities and/or differences of your implementation of ethernet re my Resolution Audio Cantata?

I Googled the Cantata to learn about it.  The Ethernet is used as a method to extend the range of USB (using pont neuf), so this not really Ethernet DLNA or other protocols.  Even when a router is used, the Ethernet is used simply as an extension for USB asynchronous protocol to gain greater distance.

My Ethernet does not have USB protocol underneath.  It has DLNA instead.  It is using packets to move data, just like storing to a disk or sending email using Ethernet. However, the DLNA protocol makes sure that all of the packets are re-assembled in the endpoint and spooled from a FIFO and that the endpoint FIFO never runs out of data. It also identifies the file-type and sample-rate so the hardware knows what to do.  The DLNA protocol is supported by many mass marketed devices from companies like Panasonic, Oppo etc... The important thing is that two decent audiophile players support DLNA, namely Jriver and Audirvana+.

DLNA is not compatible with all players.  Amarra does not support it and Roon does not support it.  Roon uses a different Ethernet protocol than DLNA.  The queueing model of DLNA and Roon's RAAT are different and non-compatible.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

reverendo
88 posts
 
I Googled the Cantata to learn about it. The Ethernet is used as a method to extend the range of USB (using pont neuf), so this not really Ethernet DLNA or other protocols. Even when a router is used, the Ethernet is used simply as an extension for USB asynchronous protocol to gain greater distance.
I'll check on that with Steve, but I don't use the pont neuf and used DLNA with it. Will report on that later.
Thanks for the response.
The important thing is that two decent audiophile players support DLNA, namely Jriver and Audirvana+
Doesn't foobar also support DLNA? That was the one that I used while I was experimenting with the ethernet input, apart from Jriver.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Great observations Matt.  Thanks for doing that.  I hope that we can also get the HRS footers to see if the extra price also means better sound.  Sometimes, as well know, it actually does, but not always.  What often looks like the same materials or the same implementation isn't.  

As we have said, the Stillpoints and HRS hard footers are usually better than the others out there to many folks who have actually done head to head comps.  All too often we read posters or dealers telling us that they have a giant killer etc.. and they really may not since they only know what they sell and they use the words the company wants them to use.  

That's teh cool thing about what you are doing.  You really don't have a dog in the fight unless it's something you have already owned.  You may want to like your's better, but I also know that you are one of the few who can separate ownership and thinking your's is better.  Wiht footers or platforms, you also have to take into consideration the stands you use them on etc...  As you have already posted, there is no be all end all here and folks need to get these devices in their own systems to see which they like best.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Doesn't foobar also support DLNA? That was the one that I used while I was experimenting with the ethernet input, apart from Jriver.

I didn't know that, thanks.  I have not used Foobar for years, so I only have an older version.  I'll give it a try.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

nitewulf
422 posts
 
Matt what tracks do you use to test all the gears?
More to discover