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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
387 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.
wisnon
700 posts
 
tube rolling in a Lampi is not that hard…simple change 2 output tubes (matched) and 1 or 2 rectis, depending on the model.
The permutations are limited.
sksos1
387 posts
 
I ordered the Big 6 with 6SN7 tubes and in my Atmasphere Novacron amps that use 4 x 6SN7 tubes per side, in each location I find different brands sound better with the back two positions making the biggest sonic difference. So listening to 5 or 6 different brands of this tube will take a while, that is after the unit has some time to break-in.
agear
1,362 posts
 
Jafox, you are very methodical and analytical. Remind me again about your background? Science? Most audiophiles give mental/verbal ascent to this, but behaviorally we are compulsive cream puffs. I think a lot of these dacs (Lampizator or not) can sound good with due diligence. There is a thread on "the best speaker you have ever heard," and someone recently made a comment that the amp-speaker interface was critical. I can make my current speaker sound like rat piss with just an amp change.

This hobby is supremely annoying, and I think I am running out of steam...:| This gives MY WIFE much joy!
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,479 posts
 
Very true Andrew. One change can throw off a system so easy. A tube, wire, capacitor modifications and the like can dramatically change the music. Oh my, the amp speaker relationship so much more so.

I am now buying more music as I finally have great synergy in my room. Not just good at times, but satisfying over and over. Hard to find this sweet spot.

Now I have to be careful and not mess with it! Also hard to do:)
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