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

Showing 11 responses by abruce

I agree with Steve on tubes not being tight in the bottom end, but my Lampizator Big 5 does everything else soooo good
And when you think about it is bass at a live event tight
I agree with Steve on tubes not being tight in the bottom end, but my Lampizator Big 5 does everything else soooo good
And when you think about it is bass at a live event tight
Al

I'm in middle America with big5 remote preamp, you would be welcome to listen
It sounds great...I assume your are est
Thanks for this thread and the pictures of your system, that helps as well
Enjoy this Dac journey
Charles my answer back to your statement is why fool around with CDs
Also not all Mac Minis are created equal, there's a lot of software manipulation, upgrading, not to mention software players, different rippers,data formats, power supply upgrades, running on battery etc etc
I would love to hear an ODSE in my system against my USB only Lampi Big 5
I really enjoy this thread, as good as anything I've seen on this site in a long time
Matt
Happy to hear you get to add some room treatments,
I continue to enjoy the thread
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
I Love my Big 5 I dont know how it could be any better
and maybe my 5 is better than your 7 who knows