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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
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
aolmrd1241,  That HDMI  cable is exactly what I am leaning towards,  have you auditioned any other cable for this set?, the nordost Valhalla 2 HDMI cable is interesting too, I wonder if Crystal cable makes the absolute dream in HDMI?, can you give some impression's on how the wireworld platinum starlight 7 sound's?, Thankyou for your help. 
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth....I cut and pasted my response from someone else who asked my opinion on the PS Audio forums awhile back.I tried a couple PSA cables and did not care for them. So I figured with all the great reviews,I would try the platinum 7. I loved it from the getgo and have never looked back.


“For my system and my tastes, the WW just sounds right. There are no frequency's that stand out one over the other to draw attention to the listening experience, ie; pulling you away from the enjoyment of the music at hand. The body and structure of a good/great recording holds up very,very well. This cable has a wonderful natural/organic characteristic to it...Just right imo.

Details of the bass,mid and treble are killer and with that detail comes the amazing ability to see deeper into a mix with zero etch or bloat that will grow fatiguing after a while. This is a silver wire..but totally lacking in the silver brightness that many dislike.

With that being said…the WW does require some run in time out of the box. The attributes of silver wire [some brightness] do come through in the initial phase of listening, but give it time and things do settle in superbly if I do say so myself. I could not change the WW if I wanted to…its that good! 

And this coming from a hdmi skeptic before hearing and ultimately believing that hdmi cables do make a huge difference… as much as any other cable in your system., maybe even more so.”


audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
@ aolmrd1241, Thankyou for a great detailed response,  them traits  is exactly what I'm looking for in a cable.  How long is your cable?, I'm thinking half meter would work, I probably should do the full meter?, so what would be your estimated time of burn in for the cable to fully bloom?
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
I stack my DS/DMP combo so I use the 12 inch length.From what I gather via David Salz the shorter the length the better for best sound quality from hdmi.So,since I stack,why spend the extra money if not needed. Burn in time? 100-150 hours seems to be the sweet spot...
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
aolmrd1241,  Thankyou for your help,  I'm pulling the trigger on the wire world platinum starlight 7  hdmi cable tomorrow,  have it in a few day's ☺
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