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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Given that all tubes are sensitive to vibration with some being very sensitive. Users of tube units should be very concerned with vibration control. Probably every tube should be on a separate board with substantial isolation from outside vibrations and dampening of vibrations from the tube itself.

I remember that Tophats glued using Elmers to miniatures helped them greatly. Herbies helped with all tubes that I used them on. But Stillpoints standoffs below the tubes are best.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,506 posts
 
Come on Agear please encourage me.....please. I am buying music and tubes....and a few caps. Stops here. Encourage me:)

Enjoying music more than ever.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Thankyou Matt for youe permission for the off topic discussion, great feed back on the ODSE you mentioned as well, that is very good that your impressions of the ODSE are still intact after the loaner unit left and the one you own has taken you back to where you want to be, digital is one of the most difficult challenges to achieve a particular sound to me, so many flavors, most are always missing something, I know this is for your system, and the ODSE may vary on different systems, you did your search right matt, congrats on your ODSE, cheers
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Is it possible for any low signal tube to have it all?, likly not, It is probably like anything else, A balanceing act?, Grannyring, I enjoy your insight, and I follow your postings, what do you believe that will retain profound bass without looseing it in a tube cd-player, and that will improve the sound stage to come further in the room without being to forward sounding?, keep the bass and treble incredible that I have now, but improve the transparency and presatation of the sound stage?, the tube positions are 12AU7 and 12AX7, and 6Z4 recetifier tube?, any one may chime in please, thankyou to all.
paul79
174 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth:

For 12AX7, the Mullard 10M are damn hard to beat. Very linear, focused, and dimensional.

12AU7, there is only one that will keep up with the 6SN7, and that is the CBS 7318. This was CBS answer to the audio grade Telefunken ECC802S. Ultra rare. I have tried them all, and this tube works well in any 12AU7 circuit. Nothing comes close.

Either of these tubes last a very long time. I have a set of 10M 12AX7 and CBS 7318's in my amps that have been cooking for over 5 years, and they still test like the day I put them in.

I know where some of the 7318's are, but they are pricey. Message me if interested.
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