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
agear
1,362 posts
 
Thanks for the data Guido. I did not realize that this dac has been out since 2011. Looks as if it uses some older chipsets which is interesting. Like most digital pieces, images of the internals are underwhelming and scorn was heaped on the it by the DIY crowd. The same thing has happened to Lampi.

I have heard various permutations of digital amplification, including ice module-based amps, various parts of the evolution of the Hypex modules, including in Ncore (not the Veritas though) and they're honestly not my cup of tea. I briefly scanned your review, and it looks like you are biased towards digital application given your long-standing relationship with Rowland. Also, it appears as if there's imprinting going on with Matt here given the similarities of your two systems.
joecasey
484 posts
 
From AC, "Red Wine Audio RWA-Z1ES-3 Impressions" thread
Basically the RWA-Z1ES leve 3 is a sensational sounding source. I have had a lot of DAC/Server combo's in the past and this one is my favorite in sound quality and function. For reference I have owned the Bryston combo, The Lampizator Big 6/mac book, modded Mac Mini/RWA Isabella DAC, Mac Mini/Tranquility DAC SE, Wyred4sound server Mytec DAC, PSA Perfect Wave II server/ DAC and some others. To be fair I know my system better now and may have it optimized better at this time to get the most of what the RWA-Z1ES Level 3
A never ending list of contenders.
bmoura
23 posts
 
When you're talking about the "Big 5" and Big 6" Lampizators, is that an enhanced Lampizator Level 5 and 6?

Or are all Level 5 and 6 Lampizators always called "Big" ?
wisnon
700 posts
 
One box = BIG.
Two box is the classic level X.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Agear, unfortunately I never heard a high end digital amplifier in my life, so I have no idea how one would sound like.
I have two biases.... Equipment which will not serve as a secondary furnaces... And components that conform to my ideal of music.... A few class D amplifiers do.... Veritas, some Rowland amps, the new Bel Canto Black, possibly the Mola Mola... A few solid states, like Solution....

I also enjoy the sound of a handful of valve based amps, like the VTL 450 and Siegfrieds and the ARC reference series... But am not interested in baby sitting and rolling aging tubes, hence I will not seek tubed components for my system.

G
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