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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Oops. Type.
Spending $25-$75k is not realistic.
Lol
wisnon
700 posts
 
Not so sure that Ethernet connection will last. Too many pitfalls connecting to a NAS(ty) for ultimate performance.

Drive capacity goes up as prices fall.

Who wouldnt like their entire library in the top pocket for absolute total mobility?

My 2cents
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
What I mean is that the DAC is going to BE the front end. USB memory stick or Ethernet NAS or whatever. Digital front end is transitioning.

The DAC will likely also access Internet streaming sources like Tidal and other on line streaming sources. I think the closer the source gets to the dac, the better. And once a usb solid state drive can hold an entire collection (red book or even hi-rez) things will really get interesting. And we are practically there.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Ok, two questions then. First what drive unit would you purchase for a 2009 mac mini. Then where would you store it? Do you set up a NAS with firewire or just a double bay hard drive in RAID 1?
Also please share models that you use and love. I can't wait to Steve's DAC up and running in my system, I could use the built in super drive but have been told that a remote usb drive is best as you can buy a much better quality one. Plexor was the name Steve game me, but when I went to their site, they seem to only be for window's systems.

Matt we had this talk last week about servers/DACS and where they are headed. I totally agree with you.
ketcham
92 posts
 
Regarding storage and playback, I encourage you to read about Paul Pang blog and Jplay.eu forums as well as Computeraudiophile subsection on storage (in this order). Personally I use a NAS system: Synology. I currently recommend Enterprise drives. The top drive keeps changing. I have Hitachi. I also purchased mine through Simplynas.com. This was by far cheaper than individual units through Newegg or Tom's, etc.

I also never thought I would have beyond 10 TBs of music either. The catalog grows quick.

The current trend I read is transferring a sub-section of music to a playback SSD drive that your server draws from. I personally do not do this.

Read these sources and your will be well versed on the topic.

Cheers.
More to discover