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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hi Matt, I suspect that the Merril Element 118 class D prototypes might be a little less demanding of your AC than your class A/B Burmesters.


Even without their final Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits, secondary regulators, and various other proprietary subcircuits still to be integrated, the amps should achieve an efficiency of at least 75%. Once the devices are finalized, efficiency might eventually reach somewhere between 85% and 95%.


This is not to say that Element 118 monos won't benefit from being each fed through a dedicated line to maximize isolation, and minimizing cross-talk, noise, etc... But depression of transients and low level detail might be less of an issue than with your Burmester amps sharing AC circuits with each other or with your line level components.


G.


 


 

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hey Guido. I agree. I am assuming they will be less sensitive to current restrictions as well considering their super high efficiency design. If that’s the case it is a huge advantage for that design for those who can’t arrange dedicated circuits. Plus the amp is REALLY good! Stay tuned. 


jh901
67 posts
 
Matt, sort of a shame you've introduced more variables by moving around. Had been looking forward to impressions of the Mystique v3 DAC. Hopefully, you can compare redbook and hi-res PCM to DaVinci.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
JH901. I’ve been moving around the whole thread. It’s always done meticulously and with purpose. And everything is compared A/B with all variables kept exactly the same. My side comparisons happen when DAC or server comparisons are complete. And every comparison is ALWAYS done with all other variables set in stone. Only one thing changed at a time when doing formal comparisons. 

The Mustique V3 DAC has been shipped and will arrive shortly. I will post impressions when ready. 

Stay tuned. 
astewart8944
499 posts
 
Matt, if you run that third dedicated circuit, then I would be interested in knowing whether you experience a more forward presentation, brightness, or brittleness in SQ when the circuit first comes on line. I just finished having three dedicated circuits installed. When I plugged my monos into their dedicated circuits I experienced what I described in the first sentence. When I plug the monos into a power conditioner plugged into one of those dedicated circuits the SQ improves markedly. I'm now running a burn in strategy on the amp dedicated circuits which will involve driving the amps through the power conditioner for 500 hours on each dedicated circuit. (The third circuit has the DAC/PSU/Preamp running through it.) Guido may have experienced something similar in his system, based on PMs we've exchanged. Guido, if I have that wrong please correct me. 
BTW very pleased with the Antipodes DX3.  
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