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The DAC when money is no object - Page 3

post #31 of 69
3/17/07 at 4:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by krmathis View Post
I would buy an Esoteric D-01 (and a P-01).
Simply because I think it looks fantastic, and from the price tag I expect it to sound "decent" as well.
It sounds more than "decent". I had the opportunity to listen to the P-01/D-01/G-0s combination at my Esoteric/Chord/JMLabs dealer and it was very good indeed. Back then, I didn't know what Esoteric was since it was my first time in the dealer so I had no idea how much it cost. At $50k, they mean serious business. It's by far the most expensive source I've listened to so i don't know how it compares to for example, a dCS Verdi/Elgar Plus/Purcell stack...

It's almost impossible to be able to form a balanced opinion because there's just no opportunity to test all these great sources at the same time. Hence, there is definitely a slight risk involved. You end up evaluating the source as part of a whole system and not individually, which doesn't help if you're only shopping comparatively for the source itself. The only method by which you can comparatively audition the sources is by home demo, but I'd imagine you'd have to be on fairly good terms with the dealer (eg previous customer who purchased expensive gear).
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post #32 of 69
3/18/07 at 12:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NanduAjit View Post
if money is no object- Boulder 2020, arguably the best DAC in the world. but at its price it should be....$37,000!
heard of the gte trinity?
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post #33 of 69
3/18/07 at 12:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 883dave View Post
What did you audition that set this one as your winner?
Esoteric X-01 Limited, X-03, P-01/D-01, Meridian 808, EMM Labs DAC6E/CDSD, Reimyo CDP-777 and a few others that I own or owned. All excellent stuff, but the Esoteric had the combination of sound, aesthetics and versatility that I wanted. What can I say, I also like my gear big:
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post #34 of 69
3/18/07 at 11:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleestack View Post
Esoteric X-01 Limited, X-03, P-01/D-01, Meridian 808, EMM Labs DAC6E/CDSD, Reimyo CDP-777 and a few others that I own or owned. All excellent stuff, but the Esoteric had the combination of sound, aesthetics and versatility that I wanted. What can I say, I also like my gear big:
Thanks.
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post #35 of 69
3/18/07 at 12:03pm
Now that is something to appreciate. Thanks for sharing you setup and a beautiful environment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleestack View Post
Esoteric X-01 Limited, X-03, P-01/D-01, Meridian 808, EMM Labs DAC6E/CDSD, Reimyo CDP-777 and a few others that I own or owned. All excellent stuff, but the Esoteric had the combination of sound, aesthetics and versatility that I wanted. What can I say, I also like my gear big
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post #36 of 69
7/28/07 at 12:00am
If I had unlimited money I would buy Benchmark DAC1 + tweaks.
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post #37 of 69
7/28/07 at 2:52am
Lavry Gold oder Weiss DAC1-MK2
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post #38 of 69
7/28/07 at 10:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by thomaspf View Post
Lavry Gold or Weiss DAC1-MK2
x2
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post #39 of 69
7/28/07 at 12:27pm
A Nagra CDC or CDP. Built like a tank and SEXY!

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post #40 of 69
7/28/07 at 12:53pm
Hmmmm, lets see what comes to mind.....

McIntosh MDA1000:




Weiss Engineering Medea:




Burmester 970 D/A Converter:

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post #41 of 69
7/28/07 at 2:36pm
mbl 1611E

Never heard one, but I want to...

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post #42 of 69
7/28/07 at 3:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jpelg View Post
mbl 1611E

Never heard one, but I want to...
It looks "pretty", I wonder if there is anything inside!
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post #43 of 69
7/28/07 at 3:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sleestack View Post
Show off!

Quote:
Originally Posted by vcoheda View Post
Can I come over and play
Actually, Sleestack loves for people to come over and play with his setup. And it's just a short trip for you, about 2500 miles. I got a brief listen at the National, it's well worth the trip!

This month's stereophile has a review of a new DAC/transport pair from Chord. It would certainly be worth auditioning.

The best source I've ever heard in a longer audtion was in the early 90's. It was a Goldmund transport and DAC. I can't remember the model numbers but the pair cost $32K then.
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post #44 of 69
7/28/07 at 3:40pm
Audio Note DAC 5



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post #45 of 69
7/31/07 at 6:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scrith View Post
Two thoughts:

1) Even the most expensive DACs out there are doing a poor job of using their digital (S/PDIF, USB, etc.) inputs...the best is yet to come (and I don't know what that will be).
This is the reason for Audiosynthesis ASL
http://www.audiosynthesis.co.uk/dax_discrete5.htm
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