2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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 1 response by dcbingaman

dcbingaman
93 posts
 
Meridian's Latest DAC's with their patented "apodizing" reconstruction filters. Nothing I've heard comes close except the dcs professional stuff. The ones I use are in my G68XXD processor, and in my Audiocore 200 preamp, but I think their portable DAC's use something similar (Explorer and Director).

The Ayre stuff uses a similar "time coherent" approach, but I haven't heard one yet.
More to discover