Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

My DAC (Yggdrasil) does not support Ethernet in, and I’m in no hurry to get another one.

But would I be correct in saying that your wav files that are from CD rips and downloads from HDTracks, that you are storing on Raid1 still has a cost of the storage device itself?

Sure. I have a Terabyte and it’s enough for me. The RAID insures that I will never lose any music.  It delivers low-latency because it's attached.

And, is the cost of the storage more or less than $200 for 8 (eight) TB (terabytes), which is my cost for a western digital drive.

Yes, but RAID has 3 drives, so you have 3 copies at all times.

And, aren’t you using at least twice the storage space you would otherwise use if you stored as flac?

Yes. Not a problem for me. It’s worth it for the sound quality. That is what I sell, that is what I want for myself.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

I’m curious if you are able to listen via "blind testing" and conclude the same results as your measurement data?

I didn’t bother with that in this case. I am a trained listener and do this every single day, listening for changes, problems, nuances. Been doing that for 42 years. I don’t doubt my conclusions. I made business decisions based on them.

You are welcome to doubt them if you want. It’s still a free country, at least last time I checked CNN.

Steve N

Empirical Audio

I didn’t bother with that in this case. I am a trained listener and do this every single day, listening for changes, problems, nuances. Been doing that for 42 years. I don’t doubt my conclusions. I made business decisions based on them.

You are welcome to doubt them if you want. It’s still a free country, at least last time I checked CNN.

I don't believe I would win shootouts, get best of shows, Golden Ear Awards and rave reviews if my stuff wasn't decent.

If I was located near other audiophiles, I may do blind-testing.  It's difficult to do with deer, coyotes and wild turkeys...

Steve N.

Empirical Audio