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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Gdhal,
I cited George as he has repeated this often on this particular thread/site. I realize that there are manufacturers who share this view but certainly not all do. Given that Empirical Audio has produced both I was interested in their opinion regarding the multi bit/R2R "bit perfect" claim. More importantly how relevant is it ultimately to actual sound quality.
Charles
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
@charles1dad 

Understood. Thanks.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
I realize that there are manufacturers who share this view but certainly not all do.

Maybe it’s because the ones that don’t Charles, can’t make "discrete R2R dac’s" as the complexity is many many times higher, and they also can’t get R2R dac chips ready made any more.
So they don’t have an option but to go to DS or DS hybrid, as these chips are available (and cheap) .
BTW: You don’t see anyone going to the trouble of doing a discrete DS or DS/hybrid do you? Why is that?

Cheers George  


sadono
73 posts
 
@gdhal 

@sadono

You write with wisdom like a child, directly to the heart. I trust you will interpret my questions as genuine.

Simple yes/no questions if I may... no need to elaborate beyond yes/no but by all means do so if so inclined...

- does this 16 vs 24 bit "difference" effect your enjoyment of listening to music?

- are you able to discern a difference between 16/24 in a blind test (assuming you’ve tried)?

Thanks.

Yes and yes.

When properly processed, 24 bit masters have greater tone, harmonics, and lower distortion than Redbook CD. Far more analog like.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
@sadono

Thank you.
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