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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
joecasey
484 posts
 
It's interesting the 2 Audioengr critics are owners of PS Audio Direct Stream. Is it possible they're a LITTLE upset DS got CRUSHED!!!! in Mattnshilp's shootout? Did I say got CRUSHED!!! Is it a coincidence? LOL!

Erikminer, I have no problems with manufacturers defending themselves especially an ONE man operation. Any negative rumor can break their business so they have to explain their side of the story.

Ozzy, you mentioned Audio Advisor no longer want your business due to your 30 day trial program usage. Did you abused the system? You even joked about ... sounds like you're a customer from hell. BTW, did you requests a refund from Audioengr after the trial period?

Mattnshilp DS sonic description is consistent with many I've heard. I'm NOT surprise DS crashed after firmware updates since I have experience with PWDMKII/bridge. PS Audio give software a bad rep.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,583 posts
 
Yes, I am a difficult customer. Customer service is extremely important to me. Items should work as advertised and Companies should back there products.

I applaud Matt for doing this comparison and I have no doubt that with his system he is giving an honest evaluation in sound quality.

I will bow out of this thread, for I agree that it is about the Dacs Matt is reviewing and I am sorry if I got it off course.
erikminer
433 posts
 
Joecasey.. I didn't read it like the DS was crushed I read it that Matt liked the ODSE better.. I wish he'd spent a bit more time listening to it, and spent some time reloading the firmware or getting help to resolve the firmware issue but honestly his thoughts on the DS's sound quality don't really matter to me, what matters to me is how the DS sounds in my system. Also I spent way way less $$ for my DS then he's spending for his ODSE.. so I'm good with my decision..

Additionally I found the DS is quite sensitive to power cables and interconnects.. So if he'd chosen to I suspect he could have gotten it to perform at another level, also consider that the ODSE has a built in off ramp thingy that if added to any of the other Dac's might have swayed him in another direction. But in the end it's his ears and his choice, I've just enjoyed his journey..

As for PSA firmware issues no question the Bridge is flawed but so are lots of other software driven products.. I had a bridge for a while and also gave up on it (planning on an Aurulic Aries soon) so I'm not a PSA fanboy by any stretch.

And I thought all along that Ozzy's beef with Nugent should have been private.. But if you are a manufacturer who uses a public forum for among other things promoting ones products ( frequently) then one needs to be prepared to take some flack from time to time. To Empirical's credit there doesn't seem to be too many folks that are un-happy, so he/they must for the most part be doing the right thing by their customers..
erikminer
433 posts
 
And like Ozzy I'll also bow out now.. Matt I've enjoyed your writing and hard work, enjoy your ODSE, it's a really nice piece..Time now to figure out how to get your rooms acoustics improved :-)
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Ozzy, thanks for your input!

Matt is correct that several negative posts can hurt such manufacturers like Steve and me.

After what happen back in the days, I worked very hard to improve customer satisfaction, and I think I did it. :-)

As for PS Audio, such company cannot be compared to what Steve does, for example. We are talking about pure all-hand-made boutique that is made with the best possible components, free of any budgets. At least this is how I feel about this subject.

As for servicing, the Electronic Express service center in Chicago is fully authorized to service all of my products, both warranty and out-of-warranty, and they have done a great gob over the past few years. So I think there are no worries about that.

Best wishes,
Alex
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