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New DSD DAC. Recommendations please

Hi all,

I'm currently using a Emm Labs DAC2 and a Vitus CD player (using the DAC via macbook pro) but am looking for a new DAC that can play hi-res/DSD files.

I'm not up to speed with the latest DAC's so appreciate some advice. Any recommendations for a great DAC that can play DSD files. Don't want to spend too much money on it (+- $5000 for used item), so I explore how much improvement DSD will make.

Appreciate your feedback
hififreakk

Showing 2 responses by wisnon

wisnon
700 posts
 
Make sure to get a DSD Dac that can play DSD128. the Ayre cant! Despite the paucity of material currently, more comes out everyday and many are ripping vinyl to this format.

The Ayre upgrade is also taking many months, and is USB only, so not ideal for all.

As far as I know the EMM Labs Dac 2x is DSD capable, so why the angst?

To me EMM, PBD aned Lampizator have the best DSD capabilities currently.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Sandstone, it just SOUNDS better. I don't know why. Its not a bigger is better thing, I make the statement off unexcited experience. I did not expect (or want DSD128) to be better, but it is. Best digital I have heard so far.

Oh, and nothing against Ayre, as I really like Charles. However, unless you buy the new QB-9 with DSD, you will wait months for an upgrade (check comp audiophile). Additionally, its only DSD64. Charles said he would not do more as there is not enough 128 media. However, I find a lot of the benefit come simply from upsampling DSD64 to 128 offline and playing back at 128. Te same can be done even for RBCD, so media is not a limitation.
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