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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
 
Matt,

Thank you for a great and detailed post with your initial impressions of the DSD-S!

It is rather interesting to me that you didn't find much of a difference between Amarra and Audirvana Plus, as well as between yours and my power and USB cables. Especially with the cables that have 5 times price difference as a set, I thought yours will be a lot better.

Though I am sure that the DSD-S will improve with more burn-in, it seems to me that your audio system achieves a certain synergy with DAC products built around Analog Devices converter chips. As all DAC devices, those have a specific sonic character.

Thanks again and can't wait for round two. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Alex - I was listening a lot that day and really concentrating. To be honest, I think I took on way to many variables.

I plan, next week, on focusing on just swapping pc's, USB cables and alternating between Amarra and Audirvana using your DSD-S. It'l be fun and I just feel like I didn't give your cables (and Audirvana) enough energy. I was trying to get a general feel for the DSD-S voicing and qualities, not focusing on differences between cables or software.

I'll post about it when I do it.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Also, I didn't try any hi-res music yet. I will do that next week as well.

I'm trying to be fair and give everything a solid listen. It's very demanding of my time and concentration. Fun, but not easy.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Matt, any thoughts on those Apertures??? At those prices I am very intrigued!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I need to build some type of stand. I just don't have time.
I'm trying to do 20 minutes of projects with 40 seconds to do it in. Sigh....
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