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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
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
agear
1,362 posts
 
Power all of your digital gear from a Plasmatron 3 from VHAudio.com:

That looks kool Steve. Again "ancillary" gear has a major impact on digititis....
agear
1,362 posts
 
Shawbros3, I asked you some questions on your system thread. Would you rather me ask them in private?
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, I would not shirk your due diligence regarding the transport. The transport is as important as the dac (IMO) and you should not bail simply due to extra $ or logistical hassles. Similarly, USB-SPDIF converters have major impact. Steve did offer to send an Offramp and I would accept that offer.

At one point and time, Grannyring proclaimed his modded mini untouchable, until he tried Nugent's Offramp. Steve has an actual pedigree in computers (Intel chip designer) and knows the game better than most. It did not prove to be synergistic with his L4 and thus the move onwards. A Lampi transport would probably have been better. Based on reviews, the Romulus sounds better spinning plastic than via its digital connections which begs other questions.

My only beef with Lampi is they need an updated transport that can process all file types. I myself will be getting the Auralic Aries when it is available....
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Agear - best quote ever in Audiophile obsession ... "you should not bail simply due to extra $ or logistical hassles." You, sir, are hard core!!! I tip my gold coated LP demagnetizer to you my friend. :)

Kana813 - John at Audio Connection is waiting for a new Romulus Signature to come in. No clue if it has a VC. I told him that when it has 400-500 hours on it to call me and I will audition.

Update: today at 2'ish the EA OverDrive will have 48 straight hours on it. But I won't be able to get to it until tomorrow morning. Hopefully I will have first impressions for you all by tomorrow night.
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