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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
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Tbg, I totally agree with you that a regular quality pot brings much better results compared to tiny devices.

Not sure if this will make any sense to you, but the attenuator in the DSD-S is a hybrid one and controlled by "tiny devices" too. However, the sound quality achieved has been tested against quality pots to make sure there is no loss of a sound quality.

Sorry, I cannot elaborate further, but thought you'd be happy to hear that the DSD-S hybrid attenuator does not sacrifice the superb audio quality of a good pot, step attenuator or a TVC.

Hope this explains it, at least to some point.

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
usermanual
104 posts
 
Anyone listen to the new Berkeley DAC?
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt is still searching: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1407182972&read&3&zzlKetcham&&

I don't blame him. Sounds like an engineering tour de force.
rsf507
2,314 posts
 
His search will NEVER end! Seems Matt is more interested in equipment than muzic.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Rsf507 - if your going to insult me, don't do it right on my thread....

Actually it's funny. I decided a while ago that what I want to accomplish is in my hands. I would have been done with my ODSE very happily. The DSD is in my room because Alex offered. But I'm glad he did.

I had discussed DAC's with Ketcham when I started my thread. We spoke many times. The Allnic intrigued me back then but it wasn't available yet.

At the level I am currently at, if I can't get a unit in my room to listen, I'm not going to consider it. I have my wonderful ODSE. And look forward to giving the DSD a good listen. If the Allnic or Romulus find their way into my room for a listen I'm happy to hear them, but I'm not desperate.

My stereo is the best it's ever been. Speakers, pre-amp, amp, cables, power conditioning, rack, source (Mac mini) - all thrilled and not looking further. SO close to there with the DAC. More like trying to re-affirm my decision then anything else.

My electrician is coming over today to run 2 dedicated 20 amp lines (one for amps, one for all else). And I was just lent some great acoustic panels to help clean up my rooms reflections a bit.

Contrary to RSF's brilliant observation (because he knows me so well), I am actually crazy close to having my dream system complete. Most of you have truly helped me along; thank you.

Yes, I still have a few DAC's in the running. But I'm at the level where any on my list would make me happy for a very long time.

Report to come later today.
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