2. digital
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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Guido, I have to return it this Friday. He has been very generous with the DSD-S and it must go to the next interested customer.

I can honestly say that it is a true contender and worth a serious listen. Whatever he did to modify it was significant. And I have to say that his responsiveness to questions is top notch. If this is any indication of his customer service, there are no worries…

If you have the opportunity to audition the DSD-S Guido, I would now try to find time to give it a listen. I would be very curious to hear your impression in comparison to your reference Aeris DAC.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I have had no luck getting any other suggested DAC in for evaluation . I know many of you wanted me to include the Romulus or Pandora. No success thus far. It seams that the only way, in general, to get a DAC in to audition is to buy it.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Matt, will you be trying out the DAC card for the Burmester 077?

G.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
What do you guys think of the TEAC UD-501 DSD DAC? Thanks.
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Thanks for your feedback Matt, I appreciate it!

The DSD-S was changed from 8x oversampling with adaptive digital filtering to Zero filtering and oversampling when it comes to PCM processing, prior to DSD conversion.

Also, the output stage was re-biased for twice as much higher current than it was before.

From now on, my intention is to offer three options for the DSD-S digital filtering when it comes to PCM processing that will satisfy many tastes.

Just to make it clear, the DSD-S is a midline product. As good as it may be, it is nowhere near the reference DSD-M that has my own DSD to Analog converter, as well as a differential Class-A tube output stage built with a pair of NOS Philips E182CC tubes and custom Lundahl transformers wound with OFC wire.

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi Ltd.
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