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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
erikminer
433 posts
 
Here's a another thought.. I just replaced a Ayon Spirit MKIII and a PS Audio Directstream with a Devialet 200.. I only have a few hours on it but holy moly .. I am officially off the merry go round!
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Erkminer, I read Jeff Fritz is smitten with the Devialet amps as well.
abruce's avatar
abruce
245 posts
 
Steve
3) use the 5th USB port from the edge and nothing in the other ports
I've only got 4 USB ports what would you suggest?
Thanks
dmarkov
29 posts
 
Mattnshilp,

Digital cables recommendations below 1k.
- Sablon Audio Panatella
You'll see Tjay, I think, mentioning that it was better than his 2.5k Stealth Sextet which he once loved.
- top of the line Coincident Speaker Technology digital cable, ask them directly, they got some new cables.

Both companies sell directly, so the prices are great to start with.
I have both cables, and chose them after comparing them to Argento Flow, Audioquest Eagle Eye, top of the line Mapleshade, Stealth Varidig, and some others that I forgot. Argento Flow was wonderful as was my premall rounded Audioquest Eagle Eye (beware of fakes that are easier to come buy than the original), Mapleshade was compromised but interesting and well worth it but definitely not worth of your Esoteric K-01, Stealth Varidig I shouldn't even mention, only to put things in perspective. I never heard Stealth Varidig Sextet, though.
I can also recommend Argento Flow and Audioquest Eagle Eye if you can find them cheaply second hand. Again, you probably won't find an original AQ. Mexcel cables should work well with your Esoteric but they won't represent a good value for money compared to Sablon and Coincident.
rrsclyde
84 posts
 
Matt, re digital cables--I've tried a handful of $1k+ digital cables, and my favorite by far is a 1.5m Transparent Ref XL (xlr version). Pricey but you might find a used one in the price range you mentioned.

This cable has soul :); so much so I want to use my dac's xlr input just so I can use the cable!

Best,

Randy

PS-I'm loving the Romulus Sig; I think it's fully burned in now. I've found out that until a firmware/software is available in the future, it can only play dsd files via its usb input.
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