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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
We talk about introducing jitter on ethernet, but what about the ethernet connection from my Eero mesh router into my server?  Should I try optical isolation here or just a nice ethernet cable only?

The primary improvement seems to occur in the last connection of Ethernet before the DAC.  If your server is Ethernet driven, but S/PDIF or USB to the DAC, then good cables and isolator as well as upgraded LPS for the router will probably make a difference.  It makes a difference with my Sonos driving my Synchro-Mesh reclocker with S/PDIF.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Thanks Steve.  So should I use one of my extra LPS's with my router and my modem? I have two extra's from Wyred for Sound sitting there that I can use for both of them I think (any reason I couldn't?).  


audioengr
3,282 posts
 
So should I use one of my extra LPS's with my router and my modem?

Worth a try for the router.  I would not bother with the modem.

These need to be fast-reacting, which most LPS are not.  The Sboosters are I think.

Steve N.

ketcham
92 posts
 
Fast-reacting qualities of a power supply is not talked about with manufacturers/reviews much less actual published measurements.

For those here who use optical interface in their Ethernet network, do you noticed improvement with LPS in your internet switch or router located before conversion to the optical signal?
tecknik
483 posts
 
Yes' there is an improvement using LPS for the router and FMC , Im using the W4S LPS1 and do not know if its fast acting or not but there is clearly an audible difference with the LPS then without. I even have the LPS,s plugged into a power conditioner. 

For the FMC nearest the Dac I use a battery. I actually have 2 batteries for this so when one runs down I simply hook up the 2nd battery.

















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