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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Uhrn... Shouldn't this topic of single ended to XLR on CDp deserve its own thread? G.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Probably. I just started to ask questions when I read it. Sorry.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Update:

Lampy Big6 arrived today. It is in a far different class then my PS Perfectwave 2. So much more music and soul. Soundstage is expansive (is that a real word?) and it has no limits up top or down low. Vocals are stunning and it puts the performers right there in the room with me like the PW2 just couldn't.

With the Lampy here, I made a decision which I hope won't disappoint too many of you. I decided to cancel the order for the Accustic Arts DAC. The Lampy is stunning, and if I had to stop right here I would be happy forever. Shipping fees on the AA DAC coming and going were going to exceed $500- (they insisted on 3 day express) and the Lampy is so good that I feel comfortable not pursuing the AA. If shipping were not an issue, I'd still want to bring it in. Maybe John at Audio Connection can arrange an Aesthetix audition (I still haven't called him, been so busy). We shall see.

Although the differences between DAC's is evident and noticeable, they are still subtle compared to, say, the difference between pre-amps. I learned that I really need at least one more pair of ears to give everyone a reliable opinion...

I still have the PS Audio DirectStream, OverDrive SE and Aeris on the way; they are all solid state. I think I can easily find a keeper amongst those 4 (or 5 if I can hear the Aesthetix).
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Matt,
Congratulations on the LampizatOr DAC, it gets noticeably better as the hours of use accumulate. The other challenger DACs have quite a task ahead of them. The Aesthetix Romulus would be an interesting comparison The LampizatOr's strength is it simply reproduces music realistically.
Charles, .
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Bought the Big6 pre-owned. It has about 600-800 hours on it from what I understand. Currently listening to the stock tubes, but I got some to roll into as well. It's stunning in its stock form, so I can't wait to hear what it can do with other tubes.

I'm dying to hear how the Solid State contenders stack up.
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