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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 rrsclyde

rrsclyde
84 posts
 
Darn auto correct. I meant predecessor DACs and that I wasn't sure if the problem playing DSD via spdif lies with the DAC OR the usb converter :)!
rrsclyde
84 posts
 
@Lula: I do think the Signature upgrade is a major improvement with respect to redbook; however, IMHO the upgrade cost is not inexpensive. I probably would have a difficult time justifying the cost solely for redbook, but I have a pretty extensive collection of DSD that I really enjoy, so the DSD capability was my primary motivation. My decision was made much easier by being able to purchase a demo Romulus from a dealer going out of business at a great price.

I'm not a good candidate to critique the transport capability as I very rarely use it--99.9% of my use is solely as a DAC--I would have bought the Pandora and saved the extra cost but for the great deal on the demo Romulus.
rrsclyde
84 posts
 
Matt, re digital cables--I've tried a handful of $1k+ digital cables, and my favorite by far is a 1.5m Transparent Ref XL (xlr version). Pricey but you might find a used one in the price range you mentioned.

This cable has soul :); so much so I want to use my dac's xlr input just so I can use the cable!

Best,

Randy

PS-I'm loving the Romulus Sig; I think it's fully burned in now. I've found out that until a firmware/software is available in the future, it can only play dsd files via its usb input.
rrsclyde
84 posts
 
I'm definitely enjoying this thread and following Matt's journey. Lots of really great DACs being mentioned.

I've had my Aesthetix Romulus back with the Signature upgrade installed for about 5 weeks now. I'm very, very happy with the sound (it's predessors included the Meitner MA-1 and a brief fling with the Lampi Big 5 w/DSD--the Lampi had some problems and so I didn't get to hear it for long or at its best I'm sure).

I'm loving the Romulus Sig and having lots of fun tuberolling (my pre is the Aesthetix Calypso and I love that it uses the same tubes). I haven't been able to get the Romulus Sig to play DSD files via its spdif inputs (supposed to via DoP of course), but I'm not sure if the problem is the DAC one my Audiobyte Hydra X usb converter. But DSD via the Romulus USB input is sublime. That beying said, I think where I truly prefer the Romulus Sig over my prior DACs is on PCM & redbook.

Enjoy Matt!

Randy
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