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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
joecasey
365 posts
 
06-16-14: Audioengr
"Steve (Empirical Audio), is it safe to say your Final Drive is virtually a Music First or Bent TAP-X without a volume control?"

Essentially yes, except for the transformer quality. I have an all-silver Music First and the FD beats it hands-down. The FD is in two chassis on purpose, so the fields do not interact. I use better switches than the MF. The MF also has some strange wiring in it, different for left and right channels on grounding...
Steve, have you considered/tried adding a volume control to the Final Drive?

With 99.9% of DACs volume control in the digital domain, any truncation of bits will decrease resolution so why not add a volume control to Final Drive?

I have a friend that replaced his TRL Dude with Dueland caps ... latest model Dude with a Bent AVC-1. In his system, AVC-1 is superior and I guess best caps are NO caps. The Bent has 7dbs of gain so not totally passive. Thinking buying one to play with and roll different types of wires. Wondering how Final Drive with volume control will compare to AVC-1?
agear
1,353 posts
 
Matt, no need to apologize. I just added the Sixmoons except as intellectual fodder to stimulate further discussion (such as Steve's response). This thread is a treat. Keep trucking...
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
+ 1, Keep the comparisons going, This is my favorite digital thread!, I never seen anything like it before, You are doing great matt!, Bravo!
rhanson739
269 posts
 
Matt, I've been lurking on this thread, but thought I'd chime in to show my (our) appreciation for your efforts.

Like you, I'm primarily interested in Redbook playback. You currently have one of the DACs that I'm considering, so I'm looking forward to your results.

Keep up the good work/play... and feel good about it.

Rob
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
I am also primarily interested in Redbook performance and this is my favorite thread on the Gon! Love your willingness to share your journey to the dac of your dreams.
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