Which DAC?? for SACD RBCD and servers

rajupatel -- Thu, 10/30/2008 - 02:56

:) I am using the EMM Labs CDSD SE and DCC2SE combo. Great detailed sound. I have added a Apple MacPro with Lynx AES16e card and ripped many of my cd's to the Mac.

I want to upgrade the dac to a even better DAC.I would prefer a DAC to which i can connect both, i.e. the transport and the server. Any suggestions? I like the sound to be more detailed, with a good sound staging, good timbre, good attack and decay of instruments. I DO NOT like tube sound.

My other equipment are
GamuT 300M x 6
JBL 2226H X 4 (2 each in a sealed enclosure)
Custom made speakers with ribbon tweeters. FULL Acoustic treatment.
Clearaudio Ambiente turnrable with WHEST Audio phonostage.
Active Xover with preamp
The sound as of today is nothing short of phenomenal. I want to achieve NIRVANA!!! :D :D

Thank you

Raju

Henryhk -- Wed, 11/05/2008 - 09:07

I have the DCC2 and using with both CDSD (both se versions) and a music server, Sooloos. If you need to use a USB connection, consider a USB to AES etc converting cable before thinking about chging your DAC if you like Meitner.

rajupatel -- Thu, 11/06/2008 - 01:56

Thanks for the response.

I use Meitner's ST link between the CDSD and DCC2. As between the Lynx card and the Meitner DCC2 i use the Lynx AES/EBU (XLR) connector's. It is a Lynx pro supplied wire with one end being 25 pin connector.

I am going to try Apogee products which are used by pro audio. Let's see how it works. wiill keep posting.

Robert Harley -- Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:18

I suggest you look at the Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC ($4995). It was designed by much of the team that co-invented HDCD. My full review appears in the January issue.

rajupatel -- Fri, 11/07/2008 - 01:56

Thank you RH. I will read you review on the BAD. the difficulty in INdia is unavailability of dealers for many products and moreover no possibility for demos. Hence we have to go by reviews and comments of reviewer's like RH, REG, JV, RG etc. I am getting the Apogee for demo (fortunately).
I am not in any way selling the Meitner's. They are a great product. Having said that, music server's are a great convenience and sound quality can be as good as the Meitner's, if not better. Hence the quest for a "SUPER" DAC.

RH have you tried or tested the ANTELOPE 10M Atomic clock or related products.

Thanks.

Robert Harley -- Fri, 11/07/2008 - 14:55

I have not heard of the Antelope atomic clock, but will look into it.