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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
 
My coax cable is listed as an option for most of my component products. I don't really want cable pages on my website. They are expensive to create and then I just have to get rid of them when the cable parts become obsolete or I decide not to build any more.

Steve N.
calvinj
1,594 posts
 
@melbguy1. Thanks for your support. It seems like they avoid honoring the warranty at all costs. I would expect better from this level of high end electronics. I can't buy it ever again. I would be afraid to. If someone takes that king of dough from me and they don't honor the product fixes. There is gonna be a huge problem. I expect service and performance at a high level. I would not be sure if I would get that from them. It's unfortunate that product with so much potential lost a customer like myself for life because of poor customer service.
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Matt,

I've auditioned the Synergistic Research Tesla D2 coaxial digital cable and was impressed. Some say the D3 is even better. Link here:

Synergistic Tesla Digital Cables

Also, please note that the DSD-S (as many other DACs) has RCA type connectors for the digital S/PDIF inputs using the WBT NextGen that are 75 Ohms too. This was chosen after experimenting with various BNC connectors. So maybe it will be better to get a BNC to RCA cable that will give you a better flexibility.

Looks like the Cable Company has a Tesla D2 with BNC to RCA.

Link here (scroll to the bottom - Digital Cables): Tesla D2 BNC to RCA digital cable

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
agear
1,353 posts
 
08-31-14: Aplhifi-usa
Matt,

DSD-S will come back to you with its output stage biased with twice higher current compared to what it was before.

Also now it has Zero oversampling for PCM, compared to 8x oversampling earlier.

This made a good difference during experiments using all-solid state amplification here, so I've decided to see if you will hear it as an improvement in your system, or not. :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

Alex, you have a name for yourself modding transports like the Esoteric. What would be needed to bring it up to snuff, and similarly, would could or should Matt do to bring his Mini up to snuff?
agear
1,353 posts
 
08-31-14: Mattnshilp
Erikminer - thank you for spending more of my money. Something I didn't need any help with... Lol.

I will look into the Aurilic. Does it pull files out of my iTunes folder or do I need a separate designated folder?

Erik strikes me as an instigator and one who enjoys making waves....

It does not pull from iTunes. You either use a NAS or install something like Minimserver (free) on your Mac to communicate with the Aries. Easy breezy. Being lazy, I chose the later.....
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