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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Abruce - its actually the 4th port on a 2009 Mini. I'm not sure about newer Minis. They may be different. Try all ports to determine the best one.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mitch2
3,969 posts
 
So Steve, is it your suggestion that one should always use the inside USB port on the mini, e.g., furthest from the edge?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
No. Best thing is to compare them all

Steve N/
Empirical Audio
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,461 posts
 
1200 hours of burn in at least? Come on...
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-04-14: Audiolabyrinth
Thankyou Matt for your replys, I would not post impressions on the K-01 untill you get 1200 hrs of burn-in atleast!, I really believe you should talk to some owners, this unit takes hundreds of hours for each setting to burn-in, then there is more!

As I have tried to tell you Dilberts before, 20-30,000 hours should be a mandatory burn in time to prevent the premature chopping and changing of audio OCDness....
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