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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Matt,
A big attraction to your thread is the honesty, don't change that, continue to call it as you hear it. A friend of mine who has heard many DACs described the EmmLabs just as you, he didn't care for it. Everyone has an opinion about something, some love this and others love that. Matt just do your thing and continue to enjoy the experience.
Charles,
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
You rock Matt!!! G.
goose
699 posts
 
Matt, your intentions are clear and as others have stated, this is a significant undertaking. I am a redbook guy so I am very interested in your perceptions. Rather than taking your observations as "gospel" I think this will give us a feeling, direction or ballpark when looking at digital options. Your ears will sort it out....have fun!
jwm
918 posts
 
Matt keep going, I don't care how much dust is stirred up you tell it like it tis.
joecasey
484 posts
 
06-16-14: Audioengr
"Steve (Empirical Audio), is it safe to say your Final Drive is virtually a Music First or Bent TAP-X without a volume control?"

Essentially yes, except for the transformer quality. I have an all-silver Music First and the FD beats it hands-down. The FD is in two chassis on purpose, so the fields do not interact. I use better switches than the MF. The MF also has some strange wiring in it, different for left and right channels on grounding...
Steve, have you considered/tried adding a volume control to the Final Drive?

With 99.9% of DACs volume control in the digital domain, any truncation of bits will decrease resolution so why not add a volume control to Final Drive?

I have a friend that replaced his TRL Dude with Dueland caps ... latest model Dude with a Bent AVC-1. In his system, AVC-1 is superior and I guess best caps are NO caps. The Bent has 7dbs of gain so not totally passive. Thinking buying one to play with and roll different types of wires. Wondering how Final Drive with volume control will compare to AVC-1?
More to discover