2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
 
Actually I'm in traction from trying to move it alone from car to house.
Holy cr&p this things heavy!

My ODSE will be done burning in tomorrow. Ran it for a month straight. 720 hours +/- . I need help getting the K-01 into the rack, so I'm waiting for my brother to come over and help.

Been busy with the kids. Last few days before school starts, lots to do. Looking forward to a normal routine again.

Alex is sending the DSD-S back to me but I'm not sure when.

I'll post a quick report of my ODSE when I get a chance to listen. Hopefully it will sound the same as the one I auditioned before. I'll also post on first opinions on the K-01 when I get it set up.

Sorry for the lul.
erikminer
433 posts
 
Here's a another thought.. I just replaced a Ayon Spirit MKIII and a PS Audio Directstream with a Devialet 200.. I only have a few hours on it but holy moly .. I am officially off the merry go round!
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Erkminer, I read Jeff Fritz is smitten with the Devialet amps as well.
abruce's avatar
abruce
233 posts
 
Steve
3) use the 5th USB port from the edge and nothing in the other ports
I've only got 4 USB ports what would you suggest?
Thanks
dmarkov
29 posts
 
Mattnshilp,

Digital cables recommendations below 1k.
- Sablon Audio Panatella
You'll see Tjay, I think, mentioning that it was better than his 2.5k Stealth Sextet which he once loved.
- top of the line Coincident Speaker Technology digital cable, ask them directly, they got some new cables.

Both companies sell directly, so the prices are great to start with.
I have both cables, and chose them after comparing them to Argento Flow, Audioquest Eagle Eye, top of the line Mapleshade, Stealth Varidig, and some others that I forgot. Argento Flow was wonderful as was my premall rounded Audioquest Eagle Eye (beware of fakes that are easier to come buy than the original), Mapleshade was compromised but interesting and well worth it but definitely not worth of your Esoteric K-01, Stealth Varidig I shouldn't even mention, only to put things in perspective. I never heard Stealth Varidig Sextet, though.
I can also recommend Argento Flow and Audioquest Eagle Eye if you can find them cheaply second hand. Again, you probably won't find an original AQ. Mexcel cables should work well with your Esoteric but they won't represent a good value for money compared to Sablon and Coincident.
More to discover