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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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Great response Steve.  I know that we've chatted about this a few times.  Yes, I"m the one who has your server.  We spoke for a long time about headphones, amps etc...  Since then, I've gotten pretty heavily into portable audio and headphones as has Matt.  I'm sure your amp will clobber most.  I have already told a few of the top reviewers I know about it. 
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Wow, I guess I'll have to get to work and build one then....

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Steve, you are awesome :)....Great response, lol.  I may have to call to chat about headphones soon.  You also should think about a switch for using IEM's that need much less power to drive them and are subject, at times, to hiss. ;)....also please consider cross fade into the design.  Headroom used to do that. I still have a couple of their older models with it and it works.  Macintosh has a portable DAC/amp coming out this month that incorporates cross feed.   
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

CT - I think crossfade/stereo depth for headphones is the realm of good DSP software.  Doing it in hardware is like upsampling in hardware.  Never as good as good DSP software.

For IEM's, should there be a low-gain switch maybe?


Steve N.

Empirical Audio

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Yes, that would be a great idea Steve.  Most of them need very little to drive them fully and it can cut down on noise/hiss.  Empire Ears is so careful that they even put special aftermarket cables on their higher end designs.  

Interesting on crossfade.  My older headroom amp had it and it sounded great.  Do you think that small Mac unit does it with DSP? I bet it does as it's also  DAC. I never though about that.  Now I need to look to see if my desktop one really does have it.  I know their really small portable one that I bought years ago, has it.  If the desktop one has it, would you want me to send it to you?  Just let me know.
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