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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

Showing 7 responses by wisnon

wisnon
700 posts
 
Good luck with the surgery. I mean that! 

I have my home built quality server that a pal set me up on with LPSUs and to that I have added the MP software suite and clock mapper. Even with the shitty SMPS reinstalled to facilitate OS loading and setup phase, it sounds about as good as the Win16 AO (core mode) setup WITH JRiver.

I expect to go fully LPSU soon again and will wait for that performance leap. If you search this thread, you will see I have been foisting this MP64 idea on Matt for 2 years! I had never heard it, but a VERY high end analog designer buddy explained the approach to me and I was intellectually hooked. This is the road not taken by anyone else in this game ...this is raw intelligence applied to an identified set of problems.

Bit perfection is a joke!
wisnon
700 posts
 

I have Clock Mapper too and am waiting on recommendations for the optimised Bios setting for my MoBo...both from them and from a very computer savvy (Professional) friend who is also an audiophile.


The Mini seems to be a GREAT entry point too. Its a NUC loaded up with the software. Of course,  if they start with any decent LPSU powered quad core Server, they are already a step ahead.

Load up those slots! LoL

wisnon
700 posts
 

There are 3 Atlantic models.

The basic Atlantic with SS rectifier, the Atlantic+ ...same as before but with decent tube rectifier and the Golden Atlantic...same as A+ but with expensive parts, fancy footers, Flight case and top grade Kron 5u4g rectifier.


There is a step up at each level that one can hear in head to head comparisons.

wisnon
700 posts
 

Matt, most certainly the Lampis do DSD...the Atlantic is about 4K and does PCM via discrete ladder and chipless DSD up to 256 standard and 512 as an option. Stock is about $4k with Si rectifier. A+ with tube rectifier is like $1K more. Golden Atlantic is circa $8K  with primo rectifier and internal Gucci parts.

I have had the A+ to play with and heard a GA and while my GG is better, they are "badass" Dacs!

wisnon
700 posts
 

De acuedo Matt.

Yggy se da muy alta rendimeinto, pero no es de altissima calidad en mi juicio. Por ejemplo, a mi me gusta mas qualquiera Lampi Dac.


Ademas, mi amigo viene de escuchar (durante una semana como demo) el nuevo Pacific, y me a dicho que es una verdadera bomba! Totalmente mejor que mi "Gloden Gate". Que tristeza para mi.

wisnon
700 posts
 
DHT do not run hot in the GG or Pac as they only operate at 5% or rated capacity. the rectifiers do run hot though. They can all be hot swapped.

I will as Fred, the US distrib when he will have a demo unit available.
Only a few Pac have so far been released in the wild...like about 10. I hear they are now ready to ramp up and do about 5 a week.

AL who heard one at home which he borrowed from a pal is trying to figure out which kidney to sell. LoL
wisnon
700 posts
 
As AL said, the Pac is next level shyt...and he heard the MSB select 2 on 3 occasions in store demo sessions.
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