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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
lampizatorna's avatar
lampizatorna
10 posts
 
Excellent, Matt.

Please do give a ring if you need any help getting things going...  

After you've had a chance to digest this, we'll work on setting up a play date for the Pac to come over.

Best,

Fred
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
Matt, watched your latest video. Thanks for posting.

So if the sound is not as good with the new set up, the question is what are the reasons? Is it because of an increase in airborne/ structural vibrations or are your power arrangements not as good with this set up? Or all three?

What can be done to reduce these vibrations with this set up and still retain the benefits of shorter cable runs?
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
Munich 2018.

New digital transports worth considering from EVO 432, Antipodes CX/EX and EERA.

Aequo loudspeakers were using the new modular Antipodes series CX and EX server/renders fed to the new Mola Mola Tambaqui stand alone dac. The CX/EX combo is said to be better than the DX. The Tambaqui is Roon ready and has both 3.6 jack and balanced headphone connections and at a price point that should seriously challenge DAVE.

The other noteable new dac was the Analog Domain DAC 1.

Rough price guide Antipodes combo about £10k, Mola Mola Tambaqui £9k, Analog Domain DAC1 £18k.


ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Thanks for posting Ketch.  great stuff and we will catch up later this week. I sent you a message (don't ever see PM on AG.).

Matt, really looking forward to you getting some time for YOU!  I look forward to that, more than the reviews and video's, lol.....
vn101606
73 posts
 
For me the top two DACs that I have heard are:

(a) Totaldac Twelve SE (I bought one)

(b) MSB Select II

Both of them are great.
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