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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Agear, good question... But I suspect that various Esoteric transports might yield different results into a given DAC... E.g. X-01, X-03, K-01, K-03, P-02, P-01 Grandioso have different transport subassemblies, different electronics, and different mechanical packages.

G.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Jafox - literally every linear supply on the market as well as many SMPS are just too slow reacting to be interesting for digital. The regulators just dont compare to the Hynes technology. Most aupplies dont have very good input noise rejection either. Another area where Hynes tech shines.

The supply upgrades for my Off-Ramp and Synchro-Mesh are Hynes tech linears also.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
jafox
1,466 posts
 
Thank you Steve for the details. I have read about Hynes PS's for things like Mac Mini's. With an OffRamp 5 and a Mac Mini, maybe Hynes could make a custom PS to drive both. I will enquire with Hynes on this.
joecasey
484 posts
 
I actually have a more affordable DAC in my plans, that supports DSD (and native) for the masses that must have this. Its probably a year off. Too many other things on my plate right now.
Any plans in adding DSD to ODSE?
wisnon
700 posts
 
JFox,

Paul Hynes (very, very nice bloke) makes many custom LPSU with multiple rails. indeed, he does have order cancellations from time to time and offer such units for sale with immediate delivery. I just got my SR3 a few months back and have not listened to it yet.

That remainds me, I must give Paul a call to say hello and have a small chat.
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