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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
gopher
499 posts
 
Al,

No hard feelings, man. Clearly a two-way misunderstanding. Yes, both the first DAC you enjoyed at Father Richard's home AND the one you borrowed were prototypes (and the one Bruce Brown evaluated for that matter).

Things have only gotten better since :) As for the caps they weren't ever stock but a failed experiment for technical rather than sonic testing.

Matt,

No problem, man. I just wanted to clear that up. Keep on rocking with your Big 6, its a fantastic DAC.

Peace to all,

Fred
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
well said Gopher.
joecasey
484 posts
 
05-28-14: Audioengr
Shaw - I have not heard the new Directstream, but I have heard the Vivaldi in two different rooms at RMAF. The Overdrive beats it IMO. The Analog DAC was compared in the latest Overdrive review. The Overdrive beat it according to the reviewer. I have heard the Wavelength, Berkeley, Ayre, Chord Qute, and Bryston. Overdrive beats all of these. My roommate used the Lampi7 in his room in Chicago Axpona. He says the Overdrive beats it too. I have not heard the top of line Resonessence or the Bricasti yet.
Audioengr, Bravo!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I just got tracking #'s and confirmation from Steve at Empirical Audio that my OverDrive SE and other goodies are in route via 2-day air!

Yay!!!!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Actually I was able to save you some money and do 3-day. I thought I had missed the UPS driver, but he appeared really late. It should be there on Friday.

Steve N.
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