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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
 
1 Regen ordered. For $186- shipped who am I to turn down a tweak you guys are raving about. Coming mid June.

FYI - I just switched from Audiovana to JRiver on my Mac Mini. I played with both extensively and I find JRiver more accurate to the original CD source. There was an occasional lack of layering and sibilance with Audiovana that motivated me to try JRiver.
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
From a technical point of view, what is Regen? ... A re-clocker.... An input transformer.... Other?

G.
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
Technically, it's a doodad that makes the music sound better by plugging between the digital music source doohickey and the DAC thingamajig. It's got some electrical stuff that was recently upgraded with some even better electrical stuff to make it sound even better. As a die hard audiophile, is there really any more information needed then that? Grins! And in this case, it's less then $200- which, for any self respecting audiophile, is downright cheap for a tweak! We spend more then that on one upgraded electrical outlet!

We are, by all rights, totally out of our minds! And we love it!!
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Funny Matt, as I've been thinking about changing my outlet since the builders outlet is not working properly...surprise surprise!

So this 200 doohickey does the job huh? lol...I'd really have to hear it to believe it. Not saying it doesn't though...
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Regen appears to be a jitter control device and an impedance regulator. I suspect it might have somewhat more beneficial effect on DAC USB inputs with lesser jitter control, and with some residual issues in input impedance management.... Of course, I will be delighted to be proven wrong, and aRegan to be revealed as a universal USB input panacea.

Matt, let us know how it works for you.

G.

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