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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
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.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Steve, have you considered/tried adding a volume control to the Final Drive?"

I have. I can get an autoformer for the steps in attenuation. The problem is that it does not solve the problem for ALL DACs. Many do not have low output impedance, so they lack drive. What I would rather do is a preamp with a combination of active gain and transformer coupling, so I get low output impedance, galvanic isolation and true balanced output. Next project (I have so many on my plate...)

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mitch2
1,911 posts
 
What I would rather do is a preamp with a combination of active gain and transformer coupling, so I get low output impedance, galvanic isolation and true balanced output.
Sounds a lot like my preamp, except it is buffered not active, but can have +6dB from the Lundahl transformers.
mrmb's avatar
mrmb
249 posts
 
I have neither the trained ears, acoustically corrected room, expansive vocabulary nor elocution to properly review gear in the objective manor in which the pros can do it.

As I said when I started, I am simply saying it like I hear it with no bias other then what sounds best to me, in my room, with my ears.

Matt: As expressed by others, you’re doing great! Reviewers, are....well reviewers!! I'm here because I don't have to read prefacing paragraphs about something other than audio that then segues into a review that contains a lot of words, but no direct references to other like-equipment (e.g. DAC’s vs DAC’s) that the reviewer has auditioned...etc.

Your writing is entertaining, humorous and insightful without being pompous or self-important. Your thread is currently my favorite and one of the best that I’ve encountered here or on any other audio forum…..kudos, and keep it up!!
Cheers,
-Mike
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