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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
 
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
4,167 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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Oh man this is good stuff!!!!!
mrpaul
68 posts
 
Mitch2,
You are correct. The Antipodes DX rips CDs as uncompressed FLAC files.
For existing files or new files ripped via another device you just copy and paste them to the Antipodes solid state drive via the network. It's all pretty straight forward. I copied over compressed FLAC, wav and DSD files and they all played with no issues.
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