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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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,519 posts
 
Forgot to mention Glasshouse stepped attenuators as they are also better and can get very expensive. Hifi Collective sells them. Both of these are better than the K based on my research over the past year.

I can tell you these top flight stepped attenuators make a big difference in preamps. If the current Attenuator is an Alps or some other pot, then this upgrade will be a revelation.

I would also build it as a shunt type of stepped Attenuator.
nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
guido,

i use both usb (Mac mini via audivarna) and coax (cec tl3n transport) straight into 45 tube set amp using high fidelity ct-1 interconnects then into teresonic lowther speakers. it's the best sound I've ever had, the rebook through the aeris is better than the hi-res i've heard on other dac's. as some reviewers have pointed out, the volume control can be tricky going straight into amp, it happens to match my setup though.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Nickolas, what audible differences have you experience on Aeris between the USB connection and the SPDIF connection?

What challenges have some reviewers found with managing Aeris volume directly into amps? In my system, I attenuate the DAC down to zero volume, and then gradually dial up to comfortable level... The 1dB resolution works well for my Rowland M925 monos.

G.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Nickolas,
That's a very nice system you have developed. It must sound quite natural.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Granny - have you modded Jensencapacitors.com ribbon inductors into your speaker crossovers yet? They are the best on the planet IMO.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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