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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
 
Granny - the Jensen inductors will transform your system.

Ricevs - The Jensen inductors break-in almost immediately. I have used the 12 gauge throughout crossover designs with excellent results.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
Guido,

Both inputs sound good to my ear, plus it would kind of apple and oranges to point out differences since one is being fed by a computer and the other by a cd transport.

The volume problem is that the Aeris sounds best on the upper end of its vol scale (right led solid, left led off) which depending on your amp's power and speakers' sensitivity may be too loud, in which case you would need a preamp to enjoy it to its fullest.

Nick
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Matt, Any report on the Esoteric K-01 player?
jwm
918 posts
 
Grannyring most 42 step attenuators are not Ladder type, but shunt 2 pole attenuators. When you lower the volume with the shunt type the input impedance drops from 100K so the impedance is not constant. Don't you think this type of attenuator will not work great with other tube gear like tube cd player and tubed phono stage.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Nick, That's interesting... I have used Aeris with the Rowland Criterion pre, and more recently directly into my Rowland M925 amps... I like both, with the former sounding a little softer, and the latter more resolving.... All together, I prefer Aeris directly into the amps, and have not experienced any loss of harmonic or microdynamic resolution at lower volume.

Guido
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