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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Paul79 - not to digress, but are you using any 6SN7 or KT66 NOS tubes?

I've been through a bunch of these and found the sweet ones. Email me.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
paul79
163 posts
 
Agear:

No, straight from France. New with silver faceplates.

The Totaldac USB Cable I have had longer than the Totaldac Monobloc's. I used it previously with a Mac Mini and an Auralic Vega. Totaldac beat Audioquest Diamond and a Revelation Silver handily here. I recommend it highly. It is much more transparent and gives a very solid and highly focused image vs. the other 2. Gets the inner detail right.

Steve: I can run KT66's here. I'll holler at you.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Matt, where are you?, any up-dates on the digital this thread is suppose to be about?, I did forget to tell you one very important thing about Ayon digital players that is quirky!, all the players, whether a dac or cd-player makes a somewhat loud sonar sound ping over the speakers when you engage play, this is the capacitors discharge inside the unit, the craziest thing I ever witnessed!, so if you have your volume loud on your system, well your speakers have seen better days!
bill_k
671 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth - Matt stated in a previous post that he hoped to have some further updates today (Wednesday) depending upon his availability and work load. In the mean time he hoped to be spending some less stressful time just listening to and enjoying his system. I'm sure he'll be back, stay tuned...
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
AL, just to correct you regarding the 'ping' on Ayon spinners when you press play or change inputs, that 'ping' sound comes from the 6H30 tube filament and is very normal. Ayon do not use any negative feedback or compensators to erase tube noise or hum or something like as most other manufacturers are doing.

Ayon are taking a pure approach. To use negative feedback in the circuit – the sound decreases a lot.

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