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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
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
991 posts
 
I suppose they can post but they should be civil and professional at all times without resorting to insulting and inflammatory remarks.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,535 posts
 
Agreed
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Not so fast Mattnshilp, I believe you should look into this for a usb/spdif converter for your computer, State-of-the-art CD transports vs USB/SPDIF converter shootout:"

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/state-art-cd-transports-vs-universal-serial-bus-industry-standard-cables-connectors-and-communications-protocols-between-computers-and-electronic-devices-spdif-converter-shootout-15193/

The results of above comprehensive comparison perfectly reflect my own impressions as well, albeit via different equipment and interface (but that'd only underline the generality of the matter at hand).

Notice the difference in price between the CD-transports and USB to S/PDIF converter + server used.. ,, cheers.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
That's an informative article by Elberoth.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
UPDATE: I cheated it by 4 days. But I did my comparison. I just couldn't wait any longer.

CD ripped from my playlist.

Dsd/no filter: absolutely the lowest noise floor; but artificially so. It sounds like a noise gate is in place. I agree, edgy. Digital. Filtered, which is funny considering it's the setting without any filters.... Like the complexity of the music had been removed to fit. Imagine cropping the Mona Lisa to fit in a 2x2 passport photo.... Not my taste. But imaging was laser point...

S-Dly1/4x up conversion - warm, musical, a bit mushy at times. Like tubes, but not as good as tubes done really well. Sound stage was deep and wide. Imaging a bit soft, but not bad. Still enjoyable and I could easily see using this setting on overly bright recordings.

S-Dly2/4x up conversion - oh yeah. That's the ticket. Not sure why they really have the other settings to be honest.... But people like choices. Musical while retaining accuracy, engaging, wide, deep, sure footed and dynamic.

Next it's to start trying the USB input and use it as a DAC.

I'll keep you posted.

-Matt
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