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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
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
So the Romulus Signature is not in the store yet?

Steve just informed me that my ODSE will be shipping later this week. I'm SO psyched!!

I'll burn her in for a few hundred extra hours and let her sing. The DSD-S has some stiff competition. And I still have the Aeris.

Whenever the Romulus Signatire is ready, I can wait. No rush.

I am under the impression Steve has some new upgrades coming soon as well. I'll let him explain, if he wants to. Nothing available yet tho.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,927 posts
 
Mattnshilp
"Several hundred!!! You'd be dead within a month."

Nah. I'd pace myself..... ;)

I like Mattnshilp idea, much better than high end audio.

In addition to the VS models, can we get Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow?
joecasey
365 posts
 
In addition to the VS models, can we get Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow?
Why DOWNGRADE the pool? LOL!
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Alex, can you elaborate on that H-attenuator in DSD-S and why do you think it may sound better lets say than one implemented in Esoteric k-01. Did you compare your DSD-S running direct with other top shelf pre-amps? I know its all subjective,but still care to know your opinion. Thank you.

Denon1, the attenuation in the DSD-S is obviously a hybrid design. This allows for lossless attenuation in the normal listening range (0 to -47db to be exact). Also, the DSD-S output stage is so powerful that can drive even a speaker direct (at the RCA outputs), not to talk about any power amplifier. I've made an RCA to headphones jack adapter so I can listen to my Audeze LCD-X headphones that are power hungry at 20 Ohms impedance. Results are quite nice. :-)

Hope this explains it.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Aplhifi, this is all true of the BMC PureDac for $1790.
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