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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
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, with the exception of the fuse, the big L7 is fully tricked out. No other tubed dac comes with EML45s stock.

I will be adding a Synergistic quantum fuse when I get my 7 next week.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Aolmrd - No transport. Only source is my Core Audio modified Mac Mini running Amarra/iTunes via a Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cable. I will be buying Audirvana software as well to try it out.
aolmrd1241
1,042 posts
 
To bad,a quality transport would/could add a lot to the mix,at least for us dyed-in-the-wool spinners. Thanks.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
I wish to repeat this is a great thread...really enjoying it. Thanks for putting in all the time and effort, and equally appreciate all the insightful comments from others as well.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I agree totally with Aolmrd1241, All this time of following this thread, I thought a transport was being used, Now that I have found out that it is not, this gives me a different perspective on the Imperical ODSE and other Dacs on this thread, as a matter of fact, The APL Dac that matt said sounded a little hard on the treble likly exsposed the use of a inferior cable like usb!!, I understand the Dac may need further burned in, However, All dacs sound incredibly better with a quality Digital cable, and then running quality balanced analog interconnects from the dac to the pre-amp or direct to amplifier!
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