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Worlds best DAC

Went to CES this year to work on my transition to high Rez digital. I've heard many of the highly regarded players in my room or in others systems in the past. I'm actually very happy with my current cd based sound. As I listened to various DACS playing CD then high Rez, I was not bowled over. High rez was better, but only slightly so. The best (and most different) sound I heard happened to have one similarity. They were 2 non oversampling DACS with tube analog stages(Zanden and Ypsilon). These were without question the most natural sounding digital systems I heard at the show. They made CDsound miles ahead of high Rez. What gives?

PS: I understand the limitations of show auditions.
bflowers
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
what might be worth doing is to compare a "hi rez" file or disc , with the redbook version.

i have done this, as i own, several reference recording cds and hi rez discs.

i found that one is different but not better than the other.

i have also been thinking about the quest for the world's best.... (fill in the component).

it should be obvious, that since audio is a subjective subject, there will always be differences in opinion as to one component being better than another.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi Mr. Tennis,

I have been reading your posts for years...ever since i first got onto AGon many years ago. Thanks for continuing to contribute.

I have read pretty much every post you ever made about Zanden...and i know something of your stated preferences for older tubed equipment. Personally, i think much tubed equipment struggled the last 5 years to get the switch from golden hue to clarity...it got a bit sterile/white in imho. However, the current latest units (CJ GAT) really feel like they managed to take the golden hue, release the thickened bits and retain the golden light bit...

On that note, have you ever spent time with the Zanden Transport? Would REALLY appreciate your guidance, as i own the Zanden Signature and despite waiting 5 years for computer audio to match SOTA transports...i have found the Zanden Transport keeps calling as the price (and CD prices!) continue to drop.

Any advice on the benefit of the Zanden Transport (compared to my little blu-ray player)?? Thank you!
argyro
438 posts
 
Orpheus Heritage.-
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Thanks Argyro,

I have not heard the Orpheus but have read about it on a few reviews. Can you comment on how it compares with Stahl-Tek Vekian Opus, or Zanden? Those are my two favorite digital sources. Thank you!
argyro
438 posts
 
I have heard the Vekian, not the Zanden, bare in mind I do not believe in non over sampling "musical" DACS, I also know Mr. Ypsilon as I am from Greece.

The Vekian is a really really great DAC, I would have it number 2 in my list after the Orpheus! It is more "fat" sounding if you know what I mean, you would call it a bit more musical than the Orpheus I would call it a bit more colored than the Orpheus, the Heritage plays what exactly is in the disc. Both are great DACS with minor differences...

In any case enjoy your quest, you are dealing with great DACs here...
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