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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
 
08-04-14: Guidocorona
Hi AGear, somehow the URL of the AA thread in question did not make it to your post... Mind reposting it?

Tried before but failed. You can Google it. I have always found it interesting to observe the little subcultures that develop in various sites. Most seem to look down their noses at their counterparts...:/
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Hi Guido,

Yes, the Aeris has the FPGA but also the AD1895A asynchronous sample rate converter connected to it.

Sure, I understand that your only digital source is the S/PDIF output of the X-01.
To be honest with you, the X-01 requires some redesign work in order to become a good sounding digital transport, at least to my standards. It is also possible converting the X-01 to a CD/SACD transport that will work with the DSD-S via proprietary digital connection.
CD data is converted to double DSD128, while SACD is native DSD64.
The audio quality achieved is quite nice. :-)

Saluti,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Guido,

Just click below:

The famous AA+A thread.

Saluti,
Alex
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Hi Alex, Are you saying that your DSD-S sounds better running direct to amplifiers?, you have a volume control on it?, explain what type of volume control it has, and how it benefits over a pre-amp.

Hi,

What I am saying is that the non-negative feedback pure class-A MOSFET output of the DSD-S is more powerful than any preamp I am aware of and can drive any power amp direct without a problem.

The built in hybrid attenuator with 0.5dB step is completely lossless and offers exceptional sound quality.

The DSD-S does not sound better running direct to amplifiers, your system will sound better without the preamp. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Aplhifi-usa, Alex, I am confused here, did you make a clerical error?, you said, The DSD-S does not sound better running direct to amplifiers.., Then you said,Your system will sound better without the pre-amp, mmmm, which is it?
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