2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
986 posts
 
Do look again.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
There are only reviews of mini-DACs in there and the best-rated DACs page does not include the W4S. Are you talking the November issue of TAS?
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Steve, the review Jon is referring to, which was written by Steven Stone, begins on page 94 of TAS issue 247 (the "Spring 2015 Buyer's Guide" issue). The Off-Ramp 5 is mentioned on page 98, just before the "Conclusion" section.

Regards,
-- Al
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
986 posts
 
Thanks, Almarg.
Regards. Jon.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Will you be using double rock? Make sure the seems don't line up...I have done the first layer of rock vertically and the second horizontally. The Wadis engineer I spoke with years ago (when we did this at my buddys store) told us to do this..Ceiling too. We used cement rock too ;)...I don't remember the dimensions that we used, but Richard Vandersteen wrote about this years ago and my buddy consulted with him also (he was a dealer for Richard too). we set it all up using his rules of thirds. We used berber carpet and that was perfect. He didn't use much room treatment as he didn't need it. Lost of plants behind the speakers and quilts on the walls...He had a huge wall full of albums on the walls in front of the speakers...it was alike a baffle....there was no slap echo and the bass had plenty of room to breath without loading the room. Please share more about your set up either here or on another thread. thanks.
More to discover