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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
wisnon
700 posts
 
And GrannyR, its not a knock against Steve Nugent, who makes excellent products. However, personal taste varies a lot and I can see why people can choose one thing over another. One caution I will repeat from AGear is that some equipment you only miss when its gone… I have seen my share of regret sales.

The one thing I dont get from Matt is why would he choose the L6 in this comparison when he has a strong bias to US made equipment (nothing wrong with that). The Polish origins of the Lampizator was known upfront.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,645 posts
 
This is all personal taste and preference! I love tubes FYI !
mitch2
4,324 posts
 
Matt, thank you for the time you are putting into sharing the results of your DAC testing with us.
I read your 6/7 round 1 results with interest because your conclusions were strikingly similar to the reasons I chose the Metrum Hex over the L4G4. I am not suggesting a SS vs. tube comparison, or even implying virtues of NOS, but I do suspect the Lampizator DACs have a "house sound" that many here find to be near-perfect, but not everyone. Lukaz should be applauded for creating a line up that appeals to many, and gets better as you move up the product line. However, at those levels, the choice is not so much right or wrong, but personal preference that can be influenced by sonic attributes as well as other factors.
You have some other great choices coming up so I look forward to hearing your continuing impressions.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,645 posts
 
Winson, I own a Aesthetix Romulus with/upgrades now and it has 4 tubes :-)

I like it better than the Lampi 4/4 I had, but it is not because the Romulus blew it away sonically. It is because I simply like the music better with the Romulus.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Wisnon - i didn't say I have "a strong bias to US made equipment."
I said that if I have to chose between two products that are similar in performance and both make me equally happy, that I would chose the USA made product.
I chose the Lampy for my shootout for the same reason you guys chose it, it has a well deserved stunning reputation. If the Lampy sounded BETTER to me then the Aeris, I would have chosen the Big6.

Boy, you guys are a tough crowd. Lol.
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