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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
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt, was at Audio Connections yesterday and got to hear the Romulus with the Vandy 7's in the big room. HOLY CRAP. If any of these other DAC;s sound better, then any of them are keepers. I was blown away by how right the sound was and it was just with ripped CD's. I'm a vinyl guy right now and I could EASILY live/love the Romulus. I have heard a lot of expensive DACS and none have made me think 'why vinyl'. The Romulus is a full CD player and DAC, but man it just sounded right. Glad you are doing this shootout.
erikminer
433 posts
 
I'm sure the 7's had nothing to do with it ;-)
benie
147 posts
 
Been following your DAC adventure.
Thanks for posting your thoughts on the Great line up of DACs.
I am happy right now with mine, but have been thinking about getting into a Computer setup.
I like what Grannyring said about the OF-Ramp, might work well with my DAC.
I have been pondering this for a while, if I go for just redbook, the Art Legato is well thought of, but OF-Ramp does give me more options.

Thanks for the Great Thread Matt
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Matt, when you listened to the Romulas at audio-connections, what was your impressions?
denon1
329 posts
 
Great thread, thanks to Matt. I am also interested in Romulus signature and how does it stand against others.
The Aesthetix also saying that the volume control implementation in Romulus is on pair with top notch pre-amplifiers.

Did anybody had a chance to listen Romulus direct to amplifier?
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