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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 4 responses by nickolaspappas

nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
Crazy that this thread is still going! Just wanted to pop in to say that the Rowland Aeris dac that Matt sold to me (thanks again Matt) was not fully broken in when Matt was evaluating it. After putting several hundred more hours on it, it has opened up significantly. It sounded good when I received it, but the output today is something else. A night and day difference. Anyone considering it should keep that in mind when reading Matt's comments on it.
nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
guido,

i use both usb (Mac mini via audivarna) and coax (cec tl3n transport) straight into 45 tube set amp using high fidelity ct-1 interconnects then into teresonic lowther speakers. it's the best sound I've ever had, the rebook through the aeris is better than the hi-res i've heard on other dac's. as some reviewers have pointed out, the volume control can be tricky going straight into amp, it happens to match my setup though.
nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
Guido,

Both inputs sound good to my ear, plus it would kind of apple and oranges to point out differences since one is being fed by a computer and the other by a cd transport.

The volume problem is that the Aeris sounds best on the upper end of its vol scale (right led solid, left led off) which depending on your amp's power and speakers' sensitivity may be too loud, in which case you would need a preamp to enjoy it to its fullest.

Nick
nickolaspappas
40 posts
 
Guido,

Thanks for sharing your insights/experience with the volume control. My amp might be what sounds better at higher levels, as opposed to the Aeris. Whichever it is, the Aeris sounds great and has been a pleasure to listen to.

Have you listened to any hi res on the Aeris? To my ears, it really closes the gap between redbook and 24/96 or 24/192. I'm not hearing the pronounced difference that I did with previous dacs.
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