Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi Guido,

Yes, the Aeris has the FPGA but also the AD1895A asynchronous sample rate converter connected to it.

Sure, I understand that your only digital source is the S/PDIF output of the X-01.
To be honest with you, the X-01 requires some redesign work in order to become a good sounding digital transport, at least to my standards. It is also possible converting the X-01 to a CD/SACD transport that will work with the DSD-S via proprietary digital connection.
CD data is converted to double DSD128, while SACD is native DSD64.
The audio quality achieved is quite nice. :-)

Saluti,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Guido,

Just click below:

The famous AA+A thread.

Saluti,
Alex

Hi Alex, Are you saying that your DSD-S sounds better running direct to amplifiers?, you have a volume control on it?, explain what type of volume control it has, and how it benefits over a pre-amp.

Hi,

What I am saying is that the non-negative feedback pure class-A MOSFET output of the DSD-S is more powerful than any preamp I am aware of and can drive any power amp direct without a problem.

The built in hybrid attenuator with 0.5dB step is completely lossless and offers exceptional sound quality.

The DSD-S does not sound better running direct to amplifiers, your system will sound better without the preamp. :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Aplhifi-usa, Alex, I am confused here, did you make a clerical error?, you said, The DSD-S does not sound better running direct to amplifiers.., Then you said,Your system will sound better without the pre-amp, mmmm, which is it?

Audiolabyrinth,

Sorry about the confusion!

Initially you've asked if DSD-S sounds better direct to amplifiers.

What I tried explaining is that, it is not a feature of the DSD-S to sound better when connected to amplifiers. It sounds as it does regardless of where it is connected.

But with its output stage and built-in attenuator, the DSD-S is perfectly capable of eliminating any preamplifier, except if you need the additional analog inputs (or phono stage built-in), or you like the added coloration/noise/distortions of the preamplifier.

Bottom line, if you have only digital sources, you don't really need a preamplifier with the DSD-S. This will result in purer audio signal path that may be beneficial for many audio systems.

Hope this explains it better. :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi