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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I am not sure about ODSE ever being DSD compatible. Maby Steve can chime in on that. I'm still not on the DSD wagon as the mass of my music is red book (hence the thread title). I got the K-01 to play discs and convert DSD from the computer. I'm curious to see how the K-01's DAC compares red book to the ODSE.

I tried listening to my turntable today. Something's amiss. It plays but sounds thin. I need someone with analog experience over to help.... Sigh.

Still cooking the esoteric. I'm putting Wed aside to listen to my ODSE. Now that it's fully burned in, I want to make sure it sounds as good as the demo ODSE I had. Then I'll start listening to the esoteric a bit more and reporting.

Word on the DSD-S front is that it's on its way back. I need more time!!

For those who appreciate it, I have a brand new Yamaha C2X grand piano being delivered Monday afternoon. I'm VERY excited. And my son, who really makes those ivory's singe, is even more excited.

Also, next Saturday I'm picking up a 2013 Porsche Boxster S PDK/sport chrono pack/active suspension management & torque vectoring. Got it certified pre-owned for a steal!

Not showing off at all, just really excited about some of my audiophile related and not so related hobbies!
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I'm sorry grannyring, please forgive me, I just did not want everyone to believe I came up with those numbers of burn-in for the Esoteric K-01 player, I was only passing along what has been told to me over the last year from the forums concerning the burn-in proccess of the player, nor did I want to appear as if I was a liar, or did not know what I was talking about, or that I am OcD!, cheers.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,518 posts
 
AudioL we are on the same page.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The Overdrive DAC will likely not support DSD in the future. I have another DAC design in mind for DSD.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, what specific DSD have you heard to date? Is it only the upsampling entities such as the Meitner or Directstream? Looks like you still need to hear the Aesthetix piece.

Also, next Saturday I'm picking up a 2013 Porsche Boxster S PDK/sport chrono pack/active suspension management & torque vectoring. Got it certified pre-owned for a steal!

I am sure your wife will be thrilled....;/
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