2. digital
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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
 
Hi Guido,

The SSD is indeed superior to HDD, however, a linear 5V power for it is a must, otherwise it sounds somewhat mechanical to my ears, especially noticeable at the upper mids and highs.

The Esoteric X-01 is sure transformer coupled at the S/PDIF output, but since you already have a transformer inside your DAC, this is not that important. The main objective of a pulse transformer at the S/PDIF is ground isolation.
The Esoteric runs on twin R-Core linear supply, so actually a transformer-less digital transmission might be better since the transformers sometimes introduce unwanted artifacts.

Saluti,
Alex
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Hi Matt,

Just finished the DSD-S for you. It is singing nicely. :-)

I will put around 100 hours on it before shipping it to you, but it will require more, of course. However, since most active devices on the signal path are MOSFET, the DSD-S sounds quite nice even when brand new, especially after 30 min warm-up, similar to tube electronics. :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you for the Esoteric arcana Alex... Did not know that X-01 SPDIF out was transformer coupled... At some point in the future, I might replace X-01 with a music server.

Saluti, G.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Erikminer- I can only speak from my own experience.

Before I started the thread and before there was any secondary gain for Steve, he was responsive (like same day) to his emails and phone calls, and he was clear and specific about his payment and return policies. He was (and is) quote confident about his gear and is very honest about the upgrades and what they accomplish. He also told me that he is constantly tweaking and fine tuning his gear and offers improvements to his established customer base as they are available; for a minimal fee.

He is clearly a talented and passionate audiophile engineer. His fund of knowledge, very well laid out policies and quick email response led me to try out the OverDrive SE. And boy am I happy I did!!!

Ozzy - There are always 3 sides to every story. Theirs, yours, and the truth.
Be careful to criticize someone when their livelihood is at stake. You may do more damage then you intended. Especially on a Forum.

That all being said. I have not owned long term and do not know Steve's policies or how he handles an issue or problem after the warranty is up...

All I know is that he makes a hell of a DAC!!!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Does anyone know if there is a way to edit a post after it's submitted? My occasional typos are driving me nuts! And sometimes I think of something to add to a post I just submitted and then need to post a second time.....
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