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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
 

any of your customers use this between the PS Audio Directstream DAC and the PS Memory Player transport? Good results?

Most that have PSAudio DS are using HDMI I2S from my Off-Ramp 5.  They can also use my Interchange Ethernet renderer.  Same outputs.

If you wanted to try the Synchro-Mesh using my coax cable, it would likely outperform even the I2S, but this depends on the S/PDIF path inside the DAC.  The signal will have lower jitter, but the path may make it a lot worse.   30-day money-back if you want to try it.

I may do a Synchro-Mesh in the future with I2S on HDMI, but other things are more important now.

I can tell you without hesitation that the Interchange with HDMI I2S to your DAC will be hands-down the best solution, best SQ.  It blows-away any USB, even my own.   It's identical to the Off-Ramp on the webpage, but has Ethernet input instead of USB.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I'm assuming that I'll be using both in/outputs on the SM going into my Marantz Digital in/outputs?

Transport output connects to the Synchro-Mesh input

Synchro-Mesh output connects to DAC input

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
No party crashing interpreted Mike. But if you bring your Select II you can crash my party anytime!! ;)

Al has been to my house several times. I look forward to him bringing the newest latest greatest SGM to compare to the Baetis and MP. Should be super fun!!! Will report when that happens. 

I will figure out a way eventually to hear a Select II in my room. I won’t buy without hearing it in my system. 

Remember that my opinions (and Mike’s, and CTSooner’s and Wison’s, etc) are just that, opinions. I am not the Ear of Olympus upon which all decisions shall be based. I’m just a shmo with a good ear and some disposable income to spend on this stuff. :)
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Some sobering thoughts and measurements.....

Not so sobering IME.  I have an RPi and an even better hat board, the Allo Digione.  I also have a Digi Pro board.   I have made jitter measurements on all of them.  The Digione is quite good for $100, but I still cannot get 176.4kHz or 192kHz files to play through my DAC on either board.  I have been messing with it for a week, including modding both the RPi and the HAT boards.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Mike I was not trying to start a fight with you, there is no denying that an MSB Select, a DCS stack and a few others are state of the art in digital, we have the same opinion as Matt does that the Davinci is a very special dac, and that it does certain things that are just spooky, and the dac is very musical, and well balanced yet it still has excellent resolution. 

The Davinci deserves to be ranked amoung the very best digital front ends, because it is. The only issue is the rarity of the dac. LH Labs is making most of their money these days as being the sole supplier for Tesla automobiles on board entertainment systems.  Larry is working on a number of interesting new products as well. 

We just got in the Aqua Forumla and we know you really thought highly of that dac, how many hours did yours take before it came alive?  Did you use HQ player with the Formula. 

Are you using the Artenisia racks now did you compare them to the Stillpoints? 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
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