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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
AudioL - no, I used to offer a tube DAC. This one will have a similar SS output stage to my SX DAC, but direct-coupled. This means it does not have coupling caps and is not class-A.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Guido - supporting DSD would require a complete redesign of the SX DAC, including a new D/A chip. It makes more sense to put it in a completely new design that uses a chip that supports this. I am not a real proponent of DSD anyway, but I will make it available to my customers.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Audioengr, your old colleague, William Elder, has one up and running presently in double DSD and I have it.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
William has nothing up on me. We are not colleagues either. He has no rights to use the Empirical Audio brand.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Steve, are you suggesting that you will implement DSD in a different / higher end OV product sporting a DAC chip with native DSD support?

Guido
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