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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
 
"Steve, can you state more information regarding this unit that will be able to be used with any of your products?"

Yes, it can be put inside the Off-Ramp or the Overdrive.

"Would a user need to send the unit to you to replace the USB card for an Ethernet card?"

Yes.

"Or is this a separate external unit, Like a Ethernet to I2S?"

No, its a module that replaces the USB module.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Steve, please clarify the Ethernet alternative. How does the DAC connect to the Mac mini, through a direct Ethernet link from mac to DAC or through my router?

And did you decide to use the XMOS chip for usb conversion in the SX?

Ketchum - is your ODSE still your reference?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The Ethernet interface plugs to any router or switch on the LAN, just like the computer connects wired.

The XMOS interface is still under debug. Latest version being tested tomorrow.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
ketcham
92 posts
 
Matt,

Yes. Empirical is still my reference. I have been given on loan for review gear from a somewhat new company out of South Korea that is very innovative. I hope they find a honest distributor that will treat both the company and consumer well as I believe they have much to contrubute to the community and like Steve Nugent, brings value to the market. For those that do not know Empirical's business model, there is no middlemen necessitating a 400% mark up. I would be surpised if these units are sold 50% above cost.

On a different note, the ethernet would negate the need for a computer server, per se. Instead you have a computer or controller that tells the NAS drive for example to send the files direct to the dac. The files are effectively delivered unprocessed.

The Complete Guide To HiFi UPnP / DLNA Network Audio
on computeraudiophile website is a good reference article and he wrote 3 others on this topic as well.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I just pulled the trigger on a used Overdrive with all the updates. I can't wait to get it up and running. Still trying to figure out what I'll use to stream things. I am still leaning towards a server as it's easier for me. I lost out on a couple of the mac mini's from 2009.

I know Steve says Mac mini with new power supply and a NAS. Do any of you use a server and if so, which one. I assume you will also use the USB connection. I'll get the Synchro Mesh so I can use my Apple TV and Uverse box (both toslink).
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