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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
kana813
956 posts
 
"When I get the Romulus DAC in, it will be for only 24h and I will not have the opportunity to tweak, tube swap or anything - it will just have to stand on its own two feet, as I let the Big6. I will say it like I hear it, as I have all along."

Matt,

If the Romulus you're going to have access to, has less 400
on it, doesn't have the VC and isn't a Signature I wouldn't waste your time.

The Romulus Signature with VC is a game changer, so IMO,
for your testing, I think it's important to try the best configuration of this product.

BTW, the Berkeley Alpha Reference is now available and should be included in your test.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Relax Matt,

I am enjoying your thread and all the posts. People will have different opinions and that is a GOOD thing. Keep on trucking.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Oh and except for DHTs, (no info on those yet), Dac tubes are run at 20% so they last for like 10 years no problem and consume like 20w, so you can keep them on for long stretches. Turning them on and off often is what shortens their lives. This is very different from tubes in amplifiers, so care and maintenance is minimal and about on par with SS Dacs. In other words NOT and issue.
kernelbob
51 posts
 
Mattnshilp, I was pretty sure that this thread would take off. You could have just as easily done your DAC shootout in private and not had to deal with all the feedback. The degree of interest illustrates how different your "call 'em as you see 'em" is compared to the tiptoeing we get from the "professionals". I'm looking forward to the comparisons yet to come. Thanks much for sharing your ongoing evaluations.
aplhifi
515 posts
 
This is good advise, but I'll give you even better advise:
Power all of your digital gear from a Plasmatron 3 from VHAudio.com

While this is a very appealing product, there are number of audiophiles who'd appreciate something else that does a very similar job, but lacks the tubes. :-)

The hard-core "tube lovers" will still be not as impressed (especially when the beautifu tube glow is missing :-)), but a faithfully comparable performance/improvement can actually be achieved with solid state devices as well. :-)

Stay tuned.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
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