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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
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Hi Nick, That's interesting... I have used Aeris with the Rowland Criterion pre, and more recently directly into my Rowland M925 amps... I like both, with the former sounding a little softer, and the latter more resolving.... All together, I prefer Aeris directly into the amps, and have not experienced any loss of harmonic or microdynamic resolution at lower volume.

Guido
essrand
163 posts
 
Been a long-time follower of this thread. So informative.

Would love to hear comparisons between the K-01 and the ODSE myself too.
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
Sorry. The k-01 will be done with its second set of settings burn in next wed. I promise I'll post when Its done.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Jwm, the varying input impedance of the stunt stepped Shallco is a real non issue based on my experience. The sound quality improvement of only one resistor and one switch in the signal path etc....is much more important. One can also place a larger input to output value resistor if concerned about source matching.

I converted my stepped Attenuator to a shunt step and love the sound quality improvement. I use digital front ends only and find this is an non-issue. You would need to determine your phono front end output Impedance to determine if it is a potential issue with your phono stage.

I don't use phono stages so I really don't know.
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
3,650 posts
 
Just for info. PS Audio updated the Firmware on the Direct Stream and it is a very significant audio improvement.
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