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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
neoshah
33 posts
 
Hello again.
 I don't follow a lot of forums or threads on the web, but of all the threads i've followed so far, this one thread where a sensible approach is  maintained most of the time . So congrats & all the best to all & above all matt & also on his video channel.  I'm glad the effort you are putting in to extracting the best form your setup, a lot of it reconfirms my beliefs as well.
A question . Why aren't you using a balanced power solution in your home as in your clinic?
Asking as i'm also making a new room would be nice to understand & learn form your  experience.
Thanks

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Thank you @mattnshilp

guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Hello Matt... I'll drink  [fizzy San Pellegrino] to that... Here's to real love of sound and music, and our ever-patient quest for audio Nirvana!


G.



G.

mitch2
4,070 posts
 
Matt, you said 
"I will plug a space heater onto it for a month and let it burn in."
Considering your future is likely to include trying more equipment and presumably also cable changes, why not purchase something like the Audiodharma Cable Cooker so you can condition your cables over the course of a few days, instead of a month with a space heater.  Your first task for the cooker could be to condition the Romex you plan to use in the wall, as well as the GTX outlet.  Just a suggestion.
https://www.thecablecooker.com/how-does-the-cable-cooker-work/
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Matt - FYI, the first review on the Overdrive SX with Ethernet input:

https://www.audiostream.com/content/empirical-audio-overdrive-sx-ethernet-dacpre

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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