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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
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Tbg,

I am sorry but which part of the word "same" you do not understand?

DoP and "native" DSD streaming are exact same thing, except that DoP is packed in PCM-like format. Once DoP is "unpacked" it turns out to native/real/pure DSD.
So there is no audio quality difference between that two.

Again, let's not confuse DoP with DSD converted to PCM.

There are few more things that you are welcome to share with your "other pro designers".

1. It is not exactly clear how the ESS Sabre DAC handles DSD, especially when it comes to attenuation. This is something that only ESS can clear up, if they want.

2. The German-made TheSycon ASIO driver for XMOS does support "native" DSD.

3. Your BMC PureDac does support DSD64 and double DSD128, probably in DoP format, though not specified on their specs.

4. JRiver MC19 can convert any PCM file to:

a) DoP at DSD64
b) DoP at double DSD128
c) native DSD stream at double DSD128

Bottom line, your current DAC operating at double DSD128 should sound the same as your BMC PureDac operating at double DoP/DSD128, which the JRiver MC19 supports as well.

If you still hear audio quality difference, it is because something else in the signal path is inferior or superior.

Hope this helps!

Best ,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
bill_k
880 posts
 
Alex - I've tried to explain the same thing to Tbg, but apparently our words are falling on deaf ears. (That's just an expression that seems to apply in this case, and is not meant as any condemnation of Tbg's hearing acuity!) He is apparently convinced that DoP is not truly native DSD and cannot be swayed from that belief. I do appreciate your effort though, since I gave up several posts ago!
kana813
956 posts
 
Tbg should watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okG-pRzz1w4
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Bill_k, to be honest, your posts were the reason why I tried again explaining to Tbg with more detail, hoping he will understand better what's going on.

It seems like many believe that DoP is some sort of DSD to PCM conversion that can be clearly discriminated as inferior compared to "native" DSD.
This, as we know, is not true as DoP=DSD. :-)

Thank you as well for trying to make things clear!

BTW, I do like your disclaimer! :-)

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi all.

The DSD-S arrived today at the office; thanks to Alex's brother as courier.
I will get it hooked up and cooking asap.

Review to follow.
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