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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Matt, will you be trying out the DAC card for the Burmester 077?

G.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
What do you guys think of the TEAC UD-501 DSD DAC? Thanks.
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Thanks for your feedback Matt, I appreciate it!

The DSD-S was changed from 8x oversampling with adaptive digital filtering to Zero filtering and oversampling when it comes to PCM processing, prior to DSD conversion.

Also, the output stage was re-biased for twice as much higher current than it was before.

From now on, my intention is to offer three options for the DSD-S digital filtering when it comes to PCM processing that will satisfy many tastes.

Just to make it clear, the DSD-S is a midline product. As good as it may be, it is nowhere near the reference DSD-M that has my own DSD to Analog converter, as well as a differential Class-A tube output stage built with a pair of NOS Philips E182CC tubes and custom Lundahl transformers wound with OFC wire.

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi Ltd.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
mmm, now you talking what I would likly appreciate Alex-APLhifi, please elaborate more on this DSD-M Dac, your discription sounds quite pleaseing, I'm sure all of us would want to know more, since your mid-line DSD-S dac done so very well in this shoot-out, cheers.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Details on the reference-level APL DSD-M DAC can be found at:
http://aplhifi.com/products/dsd-m
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