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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
nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
Guido,

Thanks for sharing your insights/experience with the volume control. My amp might be what sounds better at higher levels, as opposed to the Aeris. Whichever it is, the Aeris sounds great and has been a pleasure to listen to.

Have you listened to any hi res on the Aeris? To my ears, it really closes the gap between redbook and 24/96 or 24/192. I'm not hearing the pronounced difference that I did with previous dacs.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Nickolas, my source device is the Esoteric X-01 player... Hence, I have fed Aeris with redbook via SPDIF... I have no direct experience with higher resolution files into Aeris.

G.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Ozzy - can you please describe the improvements?
aplhifi
515 posts
 
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….

Agear, here is a link to the album: Johnny Hodges "Blues A-Plenty"
Yes, I have downloaded the DSD files of Indian Architexture. I can hear some sort of tube-induced distortions at the left channel, especially when it gets louder, but that is usually normal with such recordings. Otherwise sounds great!
Yes, that is Garcia-Fons on the video…nice stuff.

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
erikminer
433 posts
 
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