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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
 
Sorry. As I think about it more, I guess the disadvantage to having a dedicated server is that you need to move your data/library every time you replace/upgrade your unit versus using a media streamer that just pulls the data out of a static folder that lives on your computer.

I just have a hard time believing that the sound wouldn't be better if it was stored on solid state media within the actual device....

I honestly don't know what's better....
goose
692 posts
 
Matt be sure and run some live acoustical analysis in your room rather than just using the canned mathematical analysis from the different acoustic treatment vendors. It does make a difference.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Matt, ok, I am going to do it, Told you so matt!, all those that undermined me to look like I do not know what I was speaking about earlier in this thread when I said how many hours the Esoteric K-01 player takes to do total burn-in of this unit, one word, Fxxx oxx!, do not ever doubt me again!, as you can read what matt is doing for hours of burn in for this unit, I am absolutly correct!
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Matt,I am sorry for my prior post, but you remember when those few posters bashed me and tried to make me appear to be a fool, and question my exsperience as a well seasoned audiophile when I told everyone on this thread how long the Esoteric K-01 took for total burn-in of the unit?, the above post is only directed to those who belittled me, Not to anyone else, they know who they are,they deserve what I said to them above!
erikminer
433 posts
 
Matt the Aries has a firmware update due out in a day or so that will allow for Local USB use.. You'll now also be able to just hook up a USB drive directly to the Aries. As far as sound quality goes I'd certainly expect a unit with Femto Clocks and an external Linear power supply to out perform a computer. If nothing else it's got a way better from factor, and it's got lots of internal horsepower for upgrades in firmware. And Auralic is spending big money on programmers to make thing work as they should..
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