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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
wisnon
700 posts
 
I like the 7 better than the 6, but its a matter of taste. The 6 does not offer DSD.

Not sure what the PCM chip is, but the DSD is Dac-chip-less. LPF only.

Tube rectified with either twin 6x5 FW rectifiers, or lately 5u4g / 274b/GZ34 class single recti.

Output tubes can be a pair of either 45 triodes/101d/2A3s. The 2A3 requires throwing a switch. infiniute fun rolling tubes here and so easy as they are exposed on top.

There are now tube rolling threads at the Circle for people who want to indulge. Lots of hunting on the Bay and here for NOS tubes to try. Debates already over what sounds best. I got my Cunninghams in anticipation!
jafox
1,456 posts
 
I like the 7 better than the 6, but its a matter of taste.
Now now now! Nobody has yet heard both, back to back, in fully optimized status.

The 6 does not offer DSD.
My B6 supports DSD but I am not willing to pay the ripoff prices of DSD downloads.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Thankyou wisnon for your reply.
wisnon
700 posts
 
LoL,

Correct J,...I was giving the generic answer without confusing nuances and yes, there are many nuances as you rightly pointed out.

I heard the 6 in Europe and the 7 in the US, so not side by side. I think the 6 I heard was tube tricked out, but will confirm later, but the 7 was stock, in terms of tube complement. The 6 was lovely and perhaps more RBCD capable at the moment, but I am all over the place with RBCD, Hirez and DSD.

As a standard,the 6 does NOT have DSD, but as the units are hand built, I think as a special it can be done. My pal will look into adding a DSD module to his 6.

J, have you yet gotten to try an RCA VT-99 in your Dac yet? if so, what was the outcome?
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
I presume that Bulgarian women are somewhere in the middle like your dac….?

Well, maybe, depends on the mood. :-)

But that is probably true when it comes to the little puppy DSD-S.

When it comes to its big brother DSD-M, I am not exactly sure. :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
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