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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
mitch2
4,326 posts
 
Hello Steve,
Where can I learn more about your  Interchange Ethernet renderer you keep mentioning here?  After they finish the Gen3 upgrade to my Antipodes DX I plan to try using it as a server on my network with Roon.  I will need a renderer to accept the Ethernet signal from my network (or directly from the DX which has two Ethernet connections) and then feed USB to my Pavane Level 3 DAC.  It will need to work with Roon.  I am looking at options but while some of the top offerings from SOtM and Sonore have their fans, nothing seems to jump out in the current reviews as a clear winner, based on musicality and overall performance.  Of course, one option will be Antipodes' own EX (once it is released) but I know your stuff is very well-regarded and so I would like to learn more about your Interchange.  I tried your website but the Interchange is not shown.  BTW congrats on the excellent review Plaskin just gave your new SX. 
mitch2
4,326 posts
 
To augment my comment below about nothing jumping out as a "clear winner" with regards to renderers/endpoints, it seems the dCS Network Bridge would certainly be one to try.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Where can I learn more about your Interchange Ethernet renderer you keep mentioning here? After they finish the Gen3 upgrade to my Antipodes DX I plan to try using it as a server on my network with Roon. I will need a renderer to accept the Ethernet signal from my network (or directly from the DX which has two Ethernet connections) and then feed USB to my Pavane Level 3 DAC. It will need to work with Roon.

That is the rub. It’s UPnP, not Roon. There are reasons why I don’t do Roon. Email me.

If you must have Roon,here are some options:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=153889.0

If you must go Ethernet to USB, then see the Sonore solutions.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hey guys. Let’s keep it on track and respectful. Thanks. Been distracted by the storms and not having power for a week. 

Steves DAC is a serious contender and has always been. I still have mine and it makes serious music! It also beat everything that came it’s way until the Davinci 2. it is a force to be reckoned with. 

I will be comparing footers and shelves to
tomorrow morning. Stay tuned. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
mattnshilp OP825 posts03-10-2018 5:43pmHey guys. Let’s keep it on track and respectful. Thanks. Been distracted by the storms and not having power for a week.
 Stop with the excuses Matt!!! ;). HA...

I must have missed something. If I am the offender, I'm sorry.   As for Steve's DAC's I only owned the ODSE tricked out and it was CRAZY good.  Wasn't embarrassed in any system regardless of price.  Yes, that good.
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