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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
sksos1
388 posts
 
I find tube rolling can make or break the sound of a component but also find power cords more important than interconnects and or speaker cable. (and more important than tube rolling but both are essential)

I just ordered a week ago a Lampi Big 6 with DSD. I'm told the Big 6 sounds better on redbooks than the Big 7 and since I'm really only interested in redbook this is why I went this route. Although to be honest I listen to 90-95% analog on my Kuzma Stabi XL2 with Kuzma 4Point arm and Kuzma CAR-50 cartridge and as Alex of APL has stated even his Kuzma analog rig sounds better than any digital!
HAPPY LISTENING
Steve
SOS

(Dealer disclaimer)
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi SKsos1, I say exotic power cords do a system profound, if you get the correct match of a power cord, I was lucky enough that I got such a profound match, I believe Jafox about tube rolling, and I will be doing so, However, I would be estatic if it turned out that tube rolling to some really good tubes had the effect he is speaking of, that is why I am wanting his addvice, he must know about some really good tubes to get to better some of the best power cords out there, you think?, I want to find out, I assure you, I am batting for Jafox to win this, much, much more cheaper with best results always wins!
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Steve-Sksos1, congrats on the Lampi Big 6!
wisnon
700 posts
 
ABruce,

You know, i have never heard a L5 Dac...
Only 3-4-6 and 7.
sksos1
388 posts
 
Tube rolling is fun but can take many hours of trial and error and there are so many tubes out there and just because one brand works for you in a particular component doesn't mean it will be the perfect tube in another component. My amps use 16 tubes and my phono unit uses 22 tubes! Still I'd get the power cords set first so you then can hear tube differences easier.
Over the years I've gone from listening to 20 plus brands of ac cords and have finally settled on just 2 brands, what they are doesn't matter but finding the right ones for your system can bring a smile to your face every night.
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