Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Vinnie Rossi has the L2 Signature Preamp ($17k), a full function DHT preamp, with optional DAC module. The DAC add-on is $3500 and I’d say performs well for that price range and above. So, certainly better DAC performance can be had with an external.. Point being and same as mattnshilp is saying, it depends on what level of DAC performance you are after. If you’re fine with good performance from a price point between what we mention, within a great preamp, then cool. Personally, I’d go preamp w/ separate DAC and/or DAC w/ internal pre or vol control. I do both and have the DAC straight to amp option for a pathway with excellent unaltered-by-preamp transparency. But ya gotta really like your amp/speakers combo (and cables) for DAC to amp to be pleasing. 

So the Mola Mola Makua preamp has a DAC optional card. It’s a preamp with an optional DAC card. Its like $15k with the card. Their formal DAC doesn’t have analog inputs. 

There are several very good preamps with optional DAC cards. So there are several options.

I do not recommend using a DAC direct to amp. The only case I have ever heard it sound ok is the Bricasti and Rowland DAC’s straight to their own amps. Preset to higher gain and impedance matched. Other then that, I have never heard a scenario where the system doesn’t sound better with a preamp in the system.

Thanks @mattnshilp, I appreciate the input. My main interest is a full active line stage instead of a digital or analogue volume attenuator. Analogue inputs would be a secondary benefit, but not the main goal.

Hi. I have no true experience with the Mola Mola other then reputation; which is very good.

Is the analog source a secondary source or a primary source? Something you listen to occasionally? Or all the time?

i wouldn’t expect much from a true DAC with analog input option as far as true quality preamp. It would most likely be more of a convenience input.

Dacs in preamps and integrated amps are good and can compete favorably with other dacs up to $6-8k in high end product. But if your looking at higher priced standalone dacs there is not an internal DAC module that would compare.

I kind of have lost track of this immense thread, but would appreciate some help.

I am looking for a DAC with full active preamp (or full active preamp with DAC). I see that the Mola Mola fits my description, but would like to ask you if you know of other options.

Just to be clear, I am not looking for digital or analogue volume control. I want a full active preamp to be part of the package.

Thanks in advance

Looks like I'll be getting TMP/DAC back in a couple of weeks or so. I can't wait to get music again.  Sam is also going to help me mount my speakers on their new 3" granite plinths.  I had them glue the slabs with a special silicone glue for vibration purposes.  Let's see if they make a difference.  I have a feeling it will take them up a few notches.  I have a friend who has sworn by this.  Vandersteen uses this set up for him top model 7's.  Can't wait.

Thaluza - glad to hear the thread has been helpful. Wav64 definitely. Yes, sams Memory Player is amazing. I’m hoping to get the Innuos Statement over to compare the two. Sam has his hands full, but it's all good. The Memory Player has become hugely popular overseas and Sam is working hard on standardizing and increasing production. And he is also releasing his new Line Array speaker, which is supposedly amazing. 

Thanks ctsooner. I wish Sam well. It does seem he has a lot on his plate, and that's kind of what I figured. The sound has been so good in my system that I want to keep the Memory Player, despite the bump in the road.

I just got the Mojo Mystique dac that Matt wrote about awhile ago. I am really liking it, but it's good to know that it is possible for the Memory Player to be upgraded with a reference level built in dac, even if he might not be building many more. Hoping you post more about your dac.

Thanks for sharing.  I think mine is WAV64.  It was downloaded by Sam, so I'm not sure.  I also don't use Roon yet, but want to down the line. I know he's be swamped with a lot of business stuff as well as some personal stuff.  Not an excuse, but his business is at the point where he may need to grow and add help.  I can't adn won't speak for him, but I know he's dealing with a lot.  

I agree that it's the best server I've ever heard and I've heard a ton of them in the upper price ranges.  I know that the DAC he built into mine is insanely good.  I don't think he's going to be doing many of these DAC's if any going forward, but it competes with anything I've heard under 25k (recently auditioned the brand new Rossini and matching clock.  He's installing some new components, including StealthCaps, so I'm excited to get it back and burned in.  

By the way, Tidal sounds really good when played through the Memory Player and Roon. You might want to consider saving the headache of ripping your cd collection and just add the albums into your collection using Tidal and Roon. Just a thought to consider.

mattnshilp and ctsooner -
Regarding ripping to WAV:
Seems you both have Laufer Teknik Memory Players. Do you guys plan on ripping to WAVE64, or just regular WAV?

I have a Memory Player installed with JRiver and I ripped some cd's to WAVE 64, as Sam included some WAVE64 files on my unit and I really liked how they sounded, compared to the same albums I have on cd and WAV.

However, album tracks that were ripped from cd's ended up being alphabetized instead of being put in track order. And then when I transferred my library - over 1000 cd's on a portable hard drive - all those albums ended up being alphabetized too. Sam has not been helpful on this issue - crickets chirping, no response to my requests for help.

I am wondering if you guys have experienced the same problem with ripping to WAVE64 and JRiver?

I switched to Roon and problem solved, but had to spend the bucks for a subscription, as well as dealing with the frustration of trying to get Sam to respond. Anyways, looking for additional insight into the problem.

Love how my Memory Player sounds in my system and I plan on keeping it. It's been a huge upgrade over my modified Mac Mini. It's a great sounding product which unfortunately is in need of better customer service support.

Thank you Matt for this thread!

Hello Doc, long time no talkie.

A couple of points we now have a Innous Statement on display and it is magical sounding.

We are also waiting on a T+A HV 3100 SDV which may be the first digital front end to exceed the Light Harmonic.

https://www.ta-hifi.de/en/audiosystems/hv-series/sd-3100-reference-streaming-dac-2/


The SDV 3100 is a technlogical tour de force in terms of digital engineering and uses all proprietary engineering including the world’s first native USB input board that can handle DSD 1024 or double rate DSD 512 which is the highest sampling freqency ever offered in a dac that can handle this frequency without using an internal upsampler.

You can choose if you want to listen to PCM or DSD files rather than having the Dac convert one to another.

What makes this dac special is a number of features:

1: NO XMOS USB board, the XMOS USB boards can not natively handle the highest rate USB signal for DSD 1024, so T+A built their own.

2: In house DSD decoding engine which can hadle DSD 1024

3: In house PCM decoding engine which can decode PCM 768k

4: Complete galvanic isolation of the digital input stage to the output stage, as well as complete isolation of the digtial and analog stages of the dac, including dual power cords separating the two stages from cross contamination.

5: Native streaming client

6: Apt X Blu tooth

7: Optional Analog preamplifier stage based on the $18k T+A P 3000 HV preamplifier a $2,500.00 option

8: Pure Class A headphone stage.

9: HDMI input and outputs for connection to a video system or video sources.

10: All aluminum chassis construction

Pretty cool eh?

With the Memory Player or The Baetis Reference running HQ player you can take a native digital stream and upconvert to DSD 1024 which should be very special.

Would you be interested in testing one if we do indeed get one?

Other cool new toys the Critical Mass Centerstage footers which are mind bogglingly effective.

Love to catch up it has been awhile.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Light Harmonic Davinci, T+A and Critical Mass dealers

Hey all. I have a pending review on Enjoy The Music for the new Lampizator Golden Gate 2. I’ll post when it’s ready to be published. 

I have also added a VPI HW40 turntable with Lyra Atlas cartridge to my system with a set of Crystal Cable CrystalConnect Reference Diamond phono cables and ground. I’m still deciding on a phono stage. My friend Merrill of Merrill Audio’s Jens phono stage is world class, but I’m waiting for his next generation Element Line phono stage next year. I like the Chord Symphonic a lot (more then the Pass 15) but I’m considering a few others (Allnic H5000DHT, Manley Steelhead RC and ModWright ph150). I went LP shopping the other day. I was mesmerized by how fun and satisfying actually buying and holding solid medium was. I haven’t bought a CD in over a decade and even then it was primarily to rip it right into my computer. While alphabetizing my LP’s, I was giddy like a school girl and couldn’t wait to listen. There is unquestionably something special about physically flipping through your music and putting an LP on the table
and that moment of anticipation as you drop the needle. 

I’m knee deep in reviews for Enjoy The Music and Absolute Sound. But enjoying the process. I’m blown away by the quality of affordable equipment these days. 

I still need to write up my visit to VPI. And I am WAY behind on doing a new video for my YouTube channel. 

Also, does anyone know a reliable service that I could bring/send my CD’s to so they can rip them for me into WAV files? I don’t have the time to rip 600 CD’s. 

I only record in WAV.  Does dbpoweramp record in WAV too?

@mattnshilp 

Will be eager to read your VPI review/write-up. Hope all is going well in your new pursuits.

+1 dbpoweramp, ripped over 1200 CDs FLAC uncompressed on a Windows 10 machine that is also my Roon core, never any issues.

dBpoweramp is a good ripper

My buddy is distributing the Allnic gear nad wants you to get their phone stage, lol.  ;) 

I need to rip all my cd’s as well. 

Sorry for the minimal posts. Been so busy. 

I had had a special treat. Sort of ironic to post on this particular thread. But I was given a tour of VPI record player and cleaner manufacturer. Mat and Harry were gracious hosts, to say the least. A full post is coming. 

Hope we can keep this fun thread going, even though Matt is now a big time reviewer, lol...;).  

Getting my The Memory Player back in a few weeks.  They are encasing it in a new design that I'm stoked about.  We've decided to keep the DAC inside the new sculpted box as they have totally separated adn isolated the power supply for TMP server as well as the DAC.  The new chassis is a cool design, but I'll let LauferTechnik share that info when they are ready (can't give away their marketing, lol).  

So pumped as the Stealth Caps are being installed this time around.  Cleaner layout inside with the new case, so that's pretty cool too.  I"m also glad that I'll be able to chose an external blue ray drive to record with.  I like an external drive that can be stored away when not needed and if it breaks, I can go get a new one. Also have the option to get one of the stack loaders to rip with (have any of you used one of these?).

Would love info on choosing the right ripper from you guys as I have over 2k CD's to drop into the HD.

Music, happy for you.  I too have TMP with the integrated DAC.  Sam is upgrading the DAC as we speak. I can't wait to get it back with all that high res music.  It really is special.  I've heard many of the top servers out there and so far nothing comes close. The way they lower jitter is crazy.  

I also got to hear the updated Rossini and the external clock.  It was ok without the clock, but the clock takes it to another level.  I wish I could get one in my house once my Memory Player gets back as I'd love to go neck and neck.  Laufertechnique is crazy good, especially for the price.  

I have been reading this thread for awhile. I have several products that are mentioned throughout the thread such as Symposium Acoustic platforms and roller blocks which I also recommend. I was undecided on a storage music player for my hi Rez files. I have a T+A MP 3100HV DAC CD/SACD/hi Rez streamer music player which I love. For music storage & playback I was torn between the new Antipodes CX+DX or the Aurender N10 among other units. Really wanted something ROON ready. I decided sound quality was the most important for me so I purchased a The Memory Player 64/32. All I can say is WOW, OMG, the best digital I have ever heard. Really hard to stream or play vinyl again now that I have The Memory Player. 

Hi Bill, I’m afraid not but probably good for the price. The Makua by Mola Mola with dac module is outstanding imo but more expensive. The Makua is also very versatile, it can be fitted with an outstanding phono stage and in the future a streamer module will be available. Mola Mola is incredible value considering the performance you get from both the pre/dac and power amps. I know somebody who sold on his £50k Swiss class A amps and went with Mola Mola. He has an excellent system which is on YouTube. Also somebody I know in the audio business recently tested nearly every top class D amp and Mola Mola was best including some which were much more expensive. 

@toetapaudio - Since you mentioned the NuPrime Evo amps, I wondered whether you have any experience with their new Evolution DAC. I've been seeing some very favorable comments on it but not from anyone having experience with other top tier DACs. TIA!

Matt, if you are trying out class D (your ref to Merrill) then please try the Mola Mola Kaluga. Another top performer at a lower price point is the Nuprime Evo, not quite as good as Mola Mola Kaluga’s but best in its price group.

Matt,

I guess you are now the Dr. Audiophile/Reviewer! Best of luck in ALL you do. 

Quick update. 

My affiliation with Twittering Machines was greatly exaggerated. There were a few specifics which, apparently, had not been worked out and we are putting it on long term hold for now. Sorry for the incorrect report. 

I will, however, be writing for Absolute Sound and Enjoy-The-Music. To be honest, I was probably biting off more then I could chew with 3 publications anyway. 

Stay tuned all. Thanks for your support. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel as well and I’ll try to keep things fresh on that end. 

All the best matt. Looking forward to your reviews the new role. 
Cheers 

I am an admitted newb on the professional end. My hope is that I will be able to continue posting reviews with the same honesty, integrity and accuracy I have posted here all these years.

And thank you!!

Matt...you finally drank the kool-aid...8)
Congrats!

I’m sorry but the Naim/Linn comparison never happened. Snowed in that day. 

I have solidified relationships with several print and on line audio review publications. 
I am elated to announce I will be working with Twittering Machines!

https://twitteringmachines.com/news-welcome-matt-clott-to-the-tm-review-team/

I am equally elated to announce I am also going to be a “freelance contributor” for The Absolute Sound!

Finally, I am equally equally elated to say that I am in the final stages of solidifying a relationship with Enjoy-The-Music!

So you will see me way less here and more at those fine on-line and print publications.  

And for those who want to check out my Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUubHSlBDkCZ0MlaVNNbUdQ/videos?view=0&shelf_id=0&sort=dd

Thanks to all!!!! 

Hi all. Sorry for the forever no post.

Work has been insane and the family. Everything has been pretty stable system wise, and I haven’t had much of a chance to hear anything new other then Merrill Audio’s new 116 and 118 monoblock amplifiers; which are just sensational!

I am, weather permitting, planning on comparing the Naim Uniti Atom all in one to the Linn Majik DSM tomorrow. $3k retail and supposed to be VERY good for the money. Looking forward to that. I’ll report back after.

I also have a pair of LauferTeknic Porzilli Line Array Speakers heading my way. They are essentially the newest version of the now revered Pipedreams and Scaena speakers. Very cool design using all 1” drivers, like 40’ish per side. 2”x2”x72” aluminum towers. Yes, only 2”x2” enclosure dimensions!!!

The big news is that I am being courted by several on line Audiophile web review e’zines (no names announced yet) and may become a professional reviewer if it works out. My YouTube channel is up to a whopping 98 subscribers, which makes me sad because I think there is some truly sensational info there for audiophiles of every experience level.

I’ll absolutely report on the Naim vs Linn all in ones after I hear them.

Good to be back here.

Matt has been swamped this past year.  Not sure how much he's been able to do in audio.

I'm waiting on my Laufertechnique DAC to be cased and completed. Hopefully soon.  When it was inside their server it blew me away. I never expected it to sound that good. I have a feeling their new two box solution will be world class and have to be in this discussion of 'best' and not just 'best for price range'.

@mattnshilp 

Been a while since we've heard from you. Hope all is well and you'll be able to update us on your journey. Be well....

Sold my server that Steve Nugent built. Ran on a Hynes SR5 highly modified by Steve.  Great unit.  The buyer, a great guy, drove up to pick it up.  He listened to my system for an hour or so.  He was shocked at how good it sounded.  He was particularly impressed by the Laufer Teknik Memory Player with internal DAC that I keep posting about here and on a few other boards.  It's not even set up properly yet and the DAC is prototype as I've said, but it's really special already. 

I'm really intrigued by where digital is right now and where it's headed.  What I find interesting is that the best way to keep up right now seems to be with the one to three person companies who are constantly upgrading the software.  They also upgrade the hardware constantly adn offer customers the upgrades as minimal costs so that you can keep up with state of the art easier than with the major companies. 

I'm sure may of you will disagree and that's fine as it will have to be an agree to disagree.  There are just so many good options we all have now.

Bryston BDA-3  Look it up

Really? Ha. Not for this thread.
I'd love their legendary home theater prepro (SP3) for my home theater though!

Jh901- i agree.

I have a Shunyata Denali for my front end rack and run my amps direct into the wall. I use all Shunyata Sigma PC except from Denali to Preamp. I use an Enklein DAVID for that. It’s amaizng.

My room uses the top level DTX-D-NCF Furutech outlets, all 10 gauge stranded copper wire (with every run exactly the same length to avoid ground loops) and utilizes Environmental Protections EP-2750 ground filters on each circuit and an EP-2050 surge protection system on my dedicated sub panel. Each outlet has its own breaker.

I have a video on my YouTube channel that describes and shows the whole thing.

Been preaching this for a long time now.  If you can afford to run dedicated circuits to you listening room, do it. You won't be sorry.  I have two in the room.  I move the wall that I have the system on and will have the electrician come in to move each circuit to the new wall.  I'll plug the amps directly into the wall (each one is grounded via copper spike deep into the ground) and then plug the Niagara into the other outlet and all source components into the Niagara.  It's been an incredible power deal for sure. 

Bryston BDA-3  Look it up

Jh901- i agree. 

I have a Shunyata Denali for my front end rack and run my amps direct into the wall. I use all Shunyata Sigma PC except from Denali to Preamp. I use an Enklein DAVID for that. It’s amaizng. 

My room uses the top level DTX-D-NCF Furutech outlets, all 10 gauge stranded copper wire (with every run exactly the same length to avoid ground loops) and utilizes Environmental Protections EP-2750 ground filters on each circuit and an EP-2050 surge protection system on my dedicated sub panel. Each outlet has its own breaker. 

I have a video on my YouTube channel that describes and shows the whole thing. 

Power cords and hi end distribution/conditioning are essential. I have Shunyata Denali and Alpha/Delta cables. Take all that away and my listening experience simply isn't "hi end" as I now appreciate it.

Audioquest Hurricane and their flagship conditioners are very well regarded. Passive approach is my style, so no PS Audio.

Yes there is a lot of great digital out here now and it’s getting better as we go. So many great options. There is no 1 best. All depends on what we have for a system and how we listen. When I installed the new Hurricane cords to my system the SQ went to a new level.  That told me that all digital is so dependent on power. Probably more than analog.  

You really cannot go wrong with either one of the two in my mind. One is much more reasonably priced though!!!!

Working for a while on getting some in to audition. It’s hard getting the real high end stuff into my room without just buying it. And because my evaluations (not really reviews) are brutally honest, compare one to another, and pick a “winner” many companies aren’t willing to send me stuff to audition. 

Im trying. I am. 

FPGA "controlled" fully discrete DAC is where its at. Make all things as good as possible from a simplistic and overkill engineering standpoint, and you only have a couple DAC's to choose from IMO. But you better be ready to get your wallets out.

Matt, will you be auditioning the new Playback Designs MPD-8? I'm not sure how many of the statement level DACs you've enjoyed employ FPGA. Might be informative for thread followers if you spend some time with it.
Also, and a bit off-topic, which A/C cables and conditioner/distribution do you use?
Thanks, Josh

Sorry. I have not. 

Has anyone around here been able to listen to the new Resolution Audio Cantata 3.0, which is an upgrade from the 2.0? I am asking because I am on fence of doing the upgrade or going in a different direction. My goal would be to find something like the original Da Vinci DAC from LH, which is the best DAC I have heard to date, but for a sane price.
Thanks in advance for the input.

Vernon, let's talk, lol....  I have the digital pre built in as well as an analog.  I haven't used either yet as I have Vandersteen's and can't use a pre yet...also having an integrated won't allow that either, lol.  If I had an external crossover for the Quatro's, I'd have Sam bring one of his larger amps over the house to try it out that way.  The NEWEST MP is just sick.  I have the FULLY tricked out one. 

As I said earlier, Sam is pulling my internal DAC out to make it a full 3 box solution with the power supplies in a totally separate box.  can't wait.