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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 - I am one guy, so I usually come out with one new product each year. Sometimes its just a USB module upgrade or a new clock module that can be applied to existing products. The Off-Ramp has gone through 6 generations now over about 8 years. The Overdrive changed from Signature to SE and now will have SX version as well.

The Overdrive SE has been around since early 2012 and it will continue to be sold for a while. There have been 2 or 3 upgrades offered to it over that period.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Thankyou Steve, That is really good that you are doing as much as you are, really incredible to be one man, you seem to be setting in the high-end very well with your products, congrats are in full order here for your achievements!
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Wisnon, my amp I have now is class A Dc-coupled, strange, I did not realize what audioengr was saying, LOL!, keep me posted on all that you are doing, I enjoyed talking to you on the phone, you are very,very, knowledgeable of high-end audio!, you have my respect, cheers.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I have tried to keep my amp search on the down low to keep things from getting complicated. But I have heard the Mola Mola amps and they are in the same class as my Veritas amps. I actually preferred my Veritas amps. But the Audionet Max monoblocks, Tenor 175s, Burmester 911mk3 and Rowland 825 are in a different league entirely.....

And we are at 132k views. Cool.
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
I would strongly consider the sx and either not bother with dsd or have a dsd dac.

I anxiously awaited the release of a certain Jazz album to be available in DSD. It was recorded in 1958. There are many iterations of it, including a 24 Karat Gold plated CD that you can buy for $300, if you are lucky. Well, I have that CD, as well as the 45RPM vinyl. But you must hear the DSD release.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi Ltd
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