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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
 
I studied atmospheric physics in depth too but I better stop there... as nobody likes to hear rational discussion on that topic which has become a new cult religion.

I do.  People need to be educated on this. Most don't realize that GW is an existential threat to mankind.  Weather catastrophes cost the US over $300B in 2017.  Worst year ever on record and its only going to get worse.  And here we are quibbling about $2B or $18B for a wall. We cannot even fund FEMA anymore.  People don't even realize that power plants are only half the problem.  Cars and other vehicles are the other half of the problem.  Time to by a Tesla.  They are fantastic cars!!

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Schiit Yggrasil as of today (or thereabouts) now features an updated analog board. Perhaps another opportunity to be the absolute top tier? :) :) :) See details if interested in https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-yggdrasil-first-and-second-impressions?lastpage=true&...
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

CTsooner wrote:

I'm getting The Memory Player with built in DAC and was wondering if I should use the SM to connect the TV to the internal DAC via BNC?

If you are only doing 2-channel, the Synchro-Mesh is a great choice.  If you want it for HT and have a SS proc., then the IFI S/PDIF iPurifier.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

audioengr
3,282 posts
 

Shadorne can you explain then dark energy.

This is the energy needed to place all of the masses in space relative to each other that is not explained by gravity and space-time.  It's an unknown energy.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
I thought the Emotiva was a DAC

Yes and no. The ERC-3 is a CD player, and does have its own internal DAC (delta sigma). It also has digital output capability which bypasses the internal DAC. I am using the digital AES/EBU output and have it connected to the Yggdrasil AES/EBU input. (which by the way, Moffat claims AES/EBU to Yggy is best)
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