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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
audiofile5
5 posts
 
Steve -

Thanks so much for sending me the Off-Ramp 6 for auditioning. I did not believe the OR5 could be bested in any way, however I was wrong! This new generation or Off Ramp does a fantastic job with all sample rates of PCM as well as for the first time DSD. I am running out of the unit I2S via HDMI and the soundstage is so big and 3D its truly the "Best" representation of digital I have ever experienced in my system or anywhere else. It truly reminds me of my old Analog rig in every sense.

Congratulations on a job well done!! Bravo to Empirical Audio for another great sounding product!

Best Regards,

Trueaudiofile
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audioengr
3,282 posts
 
For those reading this thread, the OR6 that Truaudiofile has is a prototype. He is using it with a Dynamo supply and a Power Block USB supply.

Evidently the Hi-Res problems that I had with it are not being experienced by him. He is using a TotalDAC USB cable and I think that is the difference. None of my usual USB cables seem to work well at 176 and 192.

I think I need to improve the USB receiver robustness before OR6 is ready for prime-time. I cannot expect every customer to use a TotalDAC cable....

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Congrats Steve!

I'm assuming the OR6 tech is integrated into the ODSX Diamond. Are you considering using the Dynamo supply and power block usb supply for the ODSX as well?

If we use the TotalDac usb cable, is it necessary/compatible to use the Short Block with it?

How goes ODSX progress?
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I am interested in what matt's last post asked my self, +1 with matt's 2-22-15 post, however, Steve-audioengnr, will the ODSX diamond have a better volume control to be used straight to amplification than the ODSE ?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"I'm assuming the OR6 tech is integrated into the ODSX Diamond. Are you considering using the Dynamo supply and power block usb supply for the ODSX as well?"

Yes, that is the plan. The Dynamo is not needed, but the Power Block improves things.

"If we use the TotalDac usb cable, is it necessary/compatible to use the Short Block with it?"

No, it works alone. Turns out that other cables work fine afterall. Its something that I am doing....

"How goes ODSX progress?"

I have one breaking in on the bench with Jupiter caps. IT will take a few weeks to break in completely.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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