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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
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Mattnshilp
"Several hundred!!! You'd be dead within a month."

Nah. I'd pace myself..... ;)

I like Mattnshilp idea, much better than high end audio.

In addition to the VS models, can we get Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow?
joecasey
484 posts
 
In addition to the VS models, can we get Natalie Portman and Gwyneth Paltrow?
Why DOWNGRADE the pool? LOL!
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Alex, can you elaborate on that H-attenuator in DSD-S and why do you think it may sound better lets say than one implemented in Esoteric k-01. Did you compare your DSD-S running direct with other top shelf pre-amps? I know its all subjective,but still care to know your opinion. Thank you.

Denon1, the attenuation in the DSD-S is obviously a hybrid design. This allows for lossless attenuation in the normal listening range (0 to -47db to be exact). Also, the DSD-S output stage is so powerful that can drive even a speaker direct (at the RCA outputs), not to talk about any power amplifier. I've made an RCA to headphones jack adapter so I can listen to my Audeze LCD-X headphones that are power hungry at 20 Ohms impedance. Results are quite nice. :-)

Hope this explains it.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Aplhifi, this is all true of the BMC PureDac for $1790.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Matt,

Enjoy your vacation.

Just to let you know that yesterday I heard the Big7 along with a Chord Hugo, DirectStream and MSB Platinum stach with Galaxy 2 cock upgrade and all I can say is Holeeeee Crap!

If curiousity kills the cat, lets sayou will need the 9 lives of a cat to stand a chance at survival. That beast is one smooth operator. the box is also the same size as the big6, but the 2 big EML 45 triodes to stick out a lot and look very cool.

As a DSD lover, i was shocked how close the PCM was to DSD on the Big7.

The Lampi-man deserves to take bow for his masterpiece. Loved the MSB stack too, but it was a tad bit starker/harder, though a tad bit more detalied too. Also cost about 3.5x as much too.
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