2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Guido. Thank you.
RCA are #5 and #6.
When you say rca1 do you mean RCA #5?
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
For those interested. Branislav just posted a comparison between the Lampy Big 6 and the Concert Fidelity DAC-040 (without battery option):

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?rdgtl&1317969445&openflup&143&4#143

Summary: "Concert Fidelity slightly more impressive, for what its worth, with electronic music but Lamp more musical with most everything else...wish I could keep both and maybe I will but I might have to let Concert Fidelity go in the future."

Thought that comparison belongs in this thread. It certainly fits the thread title.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Oops, you are absolutely correct Matt: the RCA input I have used is input 5. Guido
wisnon
700 posts
 
Anyone here tried the Lampi tubed SBox transport with a Big 6? I have heard good things about this combo, especially going Ethernet vs Wireless.

Lampis also undergo continuous tweaking, so I suspect the current Big7 may be even better that older demo L7s.

The French TotalDac uses tubes and gets good feedback. I heard one once, but didnt blow me away vs my L4, though it was good. What really impresses me is DSD128 on the Lampi DSD Dac! Pity I only have the equivalent of 13 DSD2x albums.
wisnon
700 posts
 
The Lampi L7 is the first tube Dac on the market using DHT tubes (since Nov 2013). It is flattering to them that Allnic is comign out with a DHT Dac now.
More to discover