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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
hchilcoat
159 posts
 
I was seriously considering the Antipodes DXe and then DV but the price kept going up with the new version to more than I wanted to pay. So I decided for the money that I would go for the Aries into my Lampizator L4G4. I'm having a blast with it, especially with Tidal. A definite improvement over my CD player running into the Lampi via coax. I'm just getting started ripping my CD collection and playing around with sample DSD downloads. So far I'm just copying everything to a portable hard drive and plugging that into the Aries USB port, but will probably set up a NAS server soon.

I've saw in John Darko's review that he gave an Antipodes DXe an edge over the Aries. But for $1600 you can't go wrong with the Aries!
hchilcoat
159 posts
 
Wisnon, you mentioned something about Aries mods? What do you hear -- I'd love to know!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Mitch2 - I have no experience playing AIFF with Antipodes, only Mac Mini. It is just as bad as ALAC on a Mini. Like listening through a tunnel IME.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mitch2
4,123 posts
 
Hi Mrpaul, I do have a few operational questions;
1. Do you connect your Antipodes DX to your home internet router using an ethernet cable,
2. What is the best/fastest method of transferring files you already own to the DX, and
3. Have you been successful in downloading music directly from iTunes and/or other sources?
Thanks
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Mrpaul - if you are using the S/PDIF output on the Antipodes, changing to USB out and a good DAC interface will make all the difference. The Antipodes will sound entirely different. If you have the latest power supply upgrades, it will be really good.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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