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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
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Also looking forward to reading about your impressions!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Kana813, while the tape is long, he does explain well and the guys in the audience asked good questions.

I now understand why I prefer native DSD to DOP. It is the computer being bothered to remove the header that is used to "fool" the computer or latency.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Mattnshilp, I'm sorry that my comment on the PureDac degenerated into this highjacking of the thread.

Aplihifi, I do now better understand why I prefer native DSD as I explained to Kana813 above.

I am soon to get a new server with two computers in it. One will only handle the music and the other all the other functions needed. It will also have no switching power supplies and no opamps.

I'm off this thread now.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
No worries TBG. I have actually had nothing to report, so you filled a quiet gap nicely and I think we all learned a bit. Thank you.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
UPDATE:

My PS Audio DirectStream has been returned (still waiting for my refund).
My PS Audio Perfect Wave 2 is sold.
My Aeris is sold (pending funds).

I just, this morning, unpacked and hooked up the APL DSD-S that Alex was generous enough to lend me. I don't have time right now, but I will give an initial report in the next day or so. It only has 100 hours on it, and it just completed a trans-Atlantic flight. So it needs a lot more burn in time to give it a fair audition.

My personal ODSE is on its way with a Short Block USB filter. Hopefully arrive any day. I would like to burn in my new ODSE thoroughly as well to properly compare the two. Especially considering that my ODSE is my reference unit and what all else will be compared with. I am hoping Alex is willing for me to hold onto the DSD-S for a while to really give it a proper evaluation.

That's all for now.

As an interesting side note, this thread just passed 50,620 views. How cool is that?!?!
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