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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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,602 posts
 
These will all be heavyweight dac champs and I would think all appeal to different tastes, systems, system preferences, music preferences etc....

This thread will be fun to follow for sure. Goodness I would love to have all these killer dacs in my music room!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Work schedule, and wife's b-day take precedence. So busy. I promise I'll call CTsooner!

All are great DAC's. I'm sure I'd be happy with any of them. It's just finding the right synergy for my system and my tastes.

Steve, thanks for the offer, but I just don't have any more to invest right now. I have money in on your Overdrive, credit card charge on the DS and outright purchase of the Aeris and Big 6. I'm tapped.

Aeris arrives Friday. I will try to compare Aeris and Big6 over the weekend.

Sorry for the wait, I'm dying to get them all in as well.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt it's all good man. I know that Johnny is interested and would love to help you out with the Aesthetix. He's always available, lol. I know that everyone is interested and like one poster said, what's good for you. isn't necessarily good for.....but that's the fun of the whole thing.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Matt - I will send you a set of Final Drives and a Short-Block to use with the Overdrive. You can try with and without, bit I think you will find these to be essential.

Thanks,
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
shawbros3
23 posts
 
Steve,

Congratulations, you have designed a top-notch DAC. When I get the chance I will have to try it out in my own system. Comparing DACs in different systems introduces too many variables. If you have a chance you should hear the Lamp for yourself, it really does present the music in a natural and realistic way.

To my ears, a good tube amp can extract more emotion and body from vocals than its SS counterpart. The difference with tubes is that SS has much more control of the bass and grip of the leading edge definition.

Hope to hear your improvements to the Overdrive this weekend!
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