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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Did they even use the same interface?

??? Of course we did.

Cheers George
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
George,
The system I heard these 2 DACs directly compared consisted of the
Absolare Passion Signature preamplifier
Krell FPB 600 mono blocks
Rockport Altair speakers
Velodyne subwoofers x 2.

Obviously we both heard the two DACs in very fine audio systems
What’s interesting is that the sonic attributes you heard that favored the TotalDac over the Bricasti M1 SE is the opposite of our findings. The Bricasti was noticeably more dynamic,energetic and alive sounding.

In direct comparison the TotalDac was smooth but polite and subdued (relatively speaking). The Bricasti had the better musical flow and pace which was very engaging. I have to say it was also at the same time more organic/natural. Overall clearly the better sounding DAC. Both were use via ethernet and attention was paid to matching levels.

In absolute terms the TotalDac was quite good but the Bricasti was the superior sounding DAC head to head.
Charles
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
We had 5 techs, 3 non techs at our meeting and were all insistent on perfect level matching.
All levels were matched overhaul not by spl by ear or meter but by the voltage down to the mV fed into the speakers at differing sine waves with a tech cd to get the levels absolutely identical to the mV 
And the Total Dac 7 with larger optional off board power supply, was by far the better, with PCM Redbook replay.

Cheers George  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Yep,
Different groups of listeners, ears,systems etc. Contrasting opinions are nothing new within  the niche of High End audio. I don’t question either group of listener’s conclusions. All of us just report honestly what we hear. Both DACs have happy and loyal owners. Certainly experienced audiophiles and music lovers comprised both groups.
Charles
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Wow guys, gone for a week and right back to PCM vs R2R again. George must be here, lol. 

This is NOT a thread on R2R vs PCM technolog. Nor is it a thread on why R2R is the ONLY design that should be used, George. I don’t believe in absolutes. As I have said, I’ve heard a LOT of dacs that sound great. 

I have some great stuff coming. Stay tuned. 

Im home this evening. 👍🏻
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