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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Steve, that's my next listening session.

Guido, I tried FD directly between ODSE and Veritas and preferred the Criterion in between.

Now to try FD between ODSE and Criterion and FD between Criterion and Veritas. With all the Rowland gear being transformer coupled, I am thinking it will make the biggest difference (for better or worse) between the pre and amp. I will also try the FD between Aeris and Veritas direct, although with the transformer coupling in the Aeris there may be incompatibilities.

Finally, I will try the ODSE to Criterion to Veritas as I have been, but add in the Short Block (which, from what I understand, basically divides the small dc USB power from the line which helps to improve sound. Makes sense, let's see....

The Aeris has about 570 hours on it by days end. That means just 6 more days and it will have over 700 hours on it. Then I can run the real head to head and get poor Steve's gear back to him so he can pass it on to another lucky audition. Remember, even if I decide on Steve's ODSE I need to send this one back and he builds me a brand new one.

A few days later, the DirectStream will have its 500 hours on it.....
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
On a side note, I have to say I am stunned no one has scooped up my Rowland Capri S2 pre-amp with PC1 power supply I have for sale. I used it until the Criterion came in. It is a stunning pre-amp and is a steal for the price I am asking. I can't think of a pre-amp for close to its money that can give the music the way the S2/pc1 can; it's that good!

If anyone knows of someone looking for a killer reasonably priced pre-amp, send them my way. I want it to go to a good home!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Finally, I will try the ODSE to Criterion to Veritas as I have been, but add in the Short Block (which, from what I understand, basically divides the small dc USB power from the line which helps to improve sound."

The SB should always be used with the Overdrive. It filters out the common-mode noise from the computer and ground-loops, improving SQ. The side effect of this filtering is that the 5V power in the USB cable is compromised. Rather than selling something that compromises USB power, I just cut the power wire and limit the use of the SB to products that do not use the power in the USB cable like the Overdrive. Because a high inductance is inserted in the ground wire between computer and DAC, it is important to plug the DAC and the computer into the same AC outlet. Using some power conditioners that add even more inductance in the earth ground can be problematic. They usually don't help with digital power anyway. A solution like the Plasmatron from VHaudio.com makes more sense and improves SQ significantly for digital.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
My apologies all. Between my family and work, my audiophile obsession is getting put on the back burner. The kids are off to sleep away tomorrow (at least 2 of 3) so the day has been spent working and then prepping and packing last minute. My oldest is a music addict (can't imagine where he got it from) and I am loading his iPod, and my daughters, right now. He's filling it with classical, movie soundtracks and classic jazz. She's filling it with Pop, rock and Rap (blech!).

I may have some time tomorrow after the kids are off, but with my wife home I don't see much of an opportunity until Sunday since it will be the first few days alone with the 6 year old….

I can promise that the wait will be well rewarded!! Wednesday will be 744 hours on the Aeris and the FINAL SHOWDOWN between the Aeris and the ODSE. I will try to do the FD tests this coming Monday if I have time as well.

The Direct Stream started cooking on the 18th. 20 days (about 500 hours) puts us at a target of Tuesday, July 8th. Wednesday is my free morning so it will be 500+ hours and the big comparison between the winner of the ODSE/Aeris and a the Direct Stream.

Still no idea on the Aestheix, or if Jon even has it in his store yet….

So good stuff coming! Be patient my fellow Audiophilio Obsessiva and you shall be rewarded!

lol...
kana813
956 posts
 
Matt,

Family comes first.

Just want to confirm the 400 hour burn-in on the Aesthetix.
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