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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
 
The Jupiters and the Duelunds are both copper that I am using. They both have OEM pricing, but the silvers are still really expensive, like $1K each.

If you wanted to get Silver Duelunds in your DAC, it needs 4 at 1.5uFd, lowest voltage available.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
People familiar with the sound of the Dulund CAST silver foil say it is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately so is its price. I have used the copper version of CAST and it is truly superb!
Charles,
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
1k for a cap? WOW have things changed. I had NO CLUE. Thanks for sharing guys, learning an ton here. Keep it going.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,500 posts
 
Or you can buy the new .001uf Duelund silver bypass caps from Parts Connextion for under $100 and...

Steve, let the Jupiter caps break in as they have never sounded the way you describe. They actually have a more airy top end compared to the CAST caps after proper break-in. This has been my experience in tube gear and speakers. Never tried them in a dac however.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,500 posts
 
Correction - New Duelund CAST silver .01uf caps. They are $89 and bypass with the CAST copper to see what you get. I have not tried these and have no idea what they sound like with a CAST copper cap?
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