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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
agear
1,362 posts
 
10-04-14: Nickolaspappas
Crazy that this thread is still going! Just wanted to pop in to say that the Rowland Aeris dac that Matt sold to me (thanks again Matt) was not fully broken in when Matt was evaluating it. After putting several hundred more hours on it, it has opened up significantly. It sounded good when I received it, but the output today is something else. A night and day difference. Anyone considering it should keep that in mind when reading Matt's comments on it.

What I suspected. Time to revisit when the amp quest is completed? Your experience with the Burmester gear is very telling.....
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-28-14: Ketcham
Hi,

I would like to state that the overdrive se playing red book was significantly better than the emm dac2x playing dsd of the same recording. Better holography, transients and decay. To me more visceral, engaging and organic.

I would strongly consider the sx and either not bother with dsd or have a dsd dac.

I think that's more a matter of what DSD dac you have. How is the Allnic with DSD?
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-28-14: Aplhifi-usa
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.

Alex, which album is that? Have you heard the DSD version of Indian Architexture? I have the 24/88 version and its magic. Also, you posted a show video earlier in the thread. What was the music being played? Sounded like Garcia-Fons....
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
10-04-14: Charles1dad
Mel,a good friend of mine has the Aesthetix Romulus Signature and I've listened to it often(it replaced his good sounding Modwright Oppo 105 and then his Lampizator DAC, very good).The Romulus is truly a natural sounding and passionate music reproducer.
Charles,
Charles, I agree with your description of the sound of the Aesthetix. I actually considered upgrading to the Signature version, however the 9v pre-out is not a good match with my Vitus SIA-025 which likes a lower gain. After reading about Grannyring's system I also considered his fairly full on mods, but experience has taught me you don't get your money back when you move it on. I think i'm making the right call upgrading to a Vitus SCD-025 with the new DSD upgrade.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Mel,
I'm certain that Grannyring's modifications to his Romulus improved his sound quality(I put the same Jupiter Cu foil caps in my amplifier, they're terrific). But as you correctly point out, improved sound or not, resale value usually takes a hit. I'd have to think that the Vitus CD player is a ideal fit for your system.
Charles,
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