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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Ctsooner, the Remote program is an app for the iPad. It works with iTunes only, but is very convenient. I was able to use it with a 2009 Mac Mini but not with a 2011 replacement when the first failed. Presently I use my Mac Mini running Windows 7 and JRivers MC19, but no remote program works with it. You need to have your monitor and keyboard and keypad next to you. My dac is a prototype right now but will soon be available. But this all allows me to run everything in double DSD, which is outstanding.

All of this is changing so quickly that it is obsolete the moment you buy it.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
CT - Remote can be found by searching iTunes store for apps through iTunes.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Steve, thanks, I'm going to look for it right now and going to get that DVI cable today so that I can get the server up and running. I'll call when I'm all set and in front of things.

Also need to buy a HD unit today too so that I may start to rip everything. With all the responses on HD's and burners, I'm still at a bit of a loss. This is one reason the all in one, like Antipodes makes sense if you can afford to go that route, but I'm saving money and getting great sound to boot, so I'll just sit out the new servers for a bit and see how and where the dust settles.

Off to figure out a Raid 1 HD solution and figure out if I can just use the internal drive or if I need to get an external one. Oh the questions.
rhanson739
269 posts
 
I wouldn't recommend putting your music on the main internal drive, CT. (I'm running a Mac Mini with a 4TB external FireWire drive.)

First, you'll have contention on the internal drive between system functions and serving up music. How much of a problem? I don't know, but it should be considered.

The external drive makes backups very easy. I have another, similar drive, and simply clone the drives after new music additions are made. The clone goes in the fire safe.

Given that, I don't think you need RAID, although it would be handier than my solution.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
I am going to use the external drive. I"ll just drag and drop files from my larger external HD to the smaller SSD internal drive to play. What are some of the names of the external HD's you guys are using and liking. I just assumed a Raid set up would be best in case of a failure
I know that I can get an OWC without discs, but if so, what are the best HD's to put into it?
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