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
abedirov's avatar
abedirov
22 posts
 
If Davinci does not require a powered USB connection, and N10 do not give you a choice to switch the power off, then, to have an absolutely fair comparison, you need an unpowered USB cable like Sablon to put N10 on equal terms with the Antipodes:)) 
aolmrd1241
759 posts
 
Hello Guido...PS Audio has raised the bar significantly with their latest firmware update called 'Huron'. It makes all other previous updates to the dac sound broken by comparison. Maybe a new audition would be relevant to the discussion.  Just saying.    
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
Curious if Matt or anyone out there has tried or intends to compare any of these high-end servers to the "lightweight" alternative of an SOtM SMS-200 Ultra and tX-USBultra and NAS.  So far I've had good luck with the NAS/microRendu approach, powered by a Paul Hynes SR7.  I may compare this to the SOtM combo, powered by SR7 and synchronized to a SRS Perfection 10 rubidium master clock(also powered by SR7) that clocks my Esoteric K-01X.  That synchronizes all critical components to a single master clock with PPB precision.    
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 

Trying a USB cable that lacks a DC line would be indeed a worth while experiment.


I believe that my Rowland Aeris DAC does not require a powered USB cable.... I need to check this with the factory. I am using a coaxial connection using an HFC Ultra... SPDIF being the superior connection for this DAC, according to the manufacturer.


Concerning PS Audio Huron driver, it is inevitable that DAC manufacturers keep leap-frogging one another with software or hardware upgrades, and retests are definitely worth while... Case in point, the audible performance of my Aeris has been enhanced by a staggring factor since I have replaced its stock power supply with the new Rowland Power Storage Unit (PSU), which is a full external chassis that feeds Aeris clean DC from a bank of ultracapacitors, resulting in Aeris operating off the AC grid 24/7.


Guido


mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
Abedirov- a quote from the Davinci Web page about their proprietary USB cables :
"Two Configurations : LightSpeed USB comes in a standard configuration, and a split configuration. Standard LightSpeed is used similarly to most USB cables: one connector on each end. Split LightSpeed has one USB-B connector and two USB-A connectors: one for signal, one for power. This configuration can be used with self-powered DACs, such as Da Vinci DAC."

So the LH2 clearly has its own power supply. I use my Short Block adapter to severe the power transferred via th USB. It works great. 👍🏻
More to discover