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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
917 posts
 
Wisnon - congrats on the great reviews. As much as I hate to say it, I may need to get a GG into my room if not just to hear it and find where it belongs in the pecking order of DAC'dom. But I have no doubt it's exceptional. As I said, I've heard it in several show systems and they have all been great!

HRS is sort of the best there is. I am upset at myself that I forgot about that. I just don't know how big a difference it makes for THAT much more money. And I don't think there is really any way to tell.....  

And i I use Shunyata elevators under all of my loom (PC's, interconnects or speaker cable). Nothing touches the floor, and I have vinyl everywhere with a large, double thick central area rug. 
dragon_vibe
430 posts
 
My house wiring is fine, My Wife designed the house and it was built 2 years back. We moved in 18 months ago. I have a Grounding Pole as thick as those used on lighting towers. This is Copper Rod pole runs down 30 Meters into ground and hits water. The house is well grounded.

I think my house was tested for grounding resistance and passed with flying colours.

I don't get noise from my Atma-Sphere Gears, nor do i get noise from my 2 other systems in the house. I run tubes everywhere except in my bedroom which is a SS system.
wisnon
700 posts
 

For SunandMusic...here is (UK) Bonzo's take on the Aries Cerat. Note Bonzo is a Lampi GG owner and loves the sound. Comparison was done in Brussels.

http://zero-distortion.org/aries-cerat-lampi-ar-5se-analysis-omega-rockports/


For Matt, mad respect for this thread. When it started, it could have been a train wreck, but your personality and steady hand has guided this deftly to be a MAJOR resource for people researching Dacs and things Digital/speakers.

BTW, the congrats go to the Lampi team. Nothing to do with me. I just cut and paste. No secret I like the Lampi sound, as it agrees with my sonic taste. I dont like dry and for my demo with the Yggy, I found it dry. Not a big fan of most SS Dacs.  LoL

wisnon
700 posts
 

Also for Matt:


"https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/laufer-teknik-memory-player-64-i-ve-finally-found-what-i-ve-been-look"

Check it out.

wisnon
700 posts
 

Dragon_Vibe,

I didnt say anything was WRONG with your wiring, I simply meant it may not work well as setup with the Lampi for some reason, or it could be the interaction with the other tube gear in terms of grounding. I guess the way the Lampi is designed it has its own peculiarities.

It clearly work well in the VAST majority of cases, given that over a thousand of them are in the field and clealy work well at shows. A buddy of mine has 2 of them and he is owns an electrical installation company, and so he certifies his own house wiring and has ZERO noise, even with his HeadDac...ie Dac and HP amp in one.

To be clear, I am fine if the GG didnt work for you and is not to your taste. Happy that you like the PBD...your enjoyment with your gear is all that matters, just it does for me, Matt, Cstooner and all the rest. I am only giving my opinion, just like you and have no skin in the game. I dont apologise for standing up for what I hear and like though...but it is just one data point in the grand scheme of things.

For an all in one product, for $14K, Dartzeel makes the Danalog, ie LHC-208, which is an Ethernet streaming Dac and 200wpc classA/B Integrated amp. PCM to 384khz and DSD128. Now that is what I call a Digital Hub!

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