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 fastfreight

fastfreight
680 posts
 
Hello,

Very interesting discussion and I am late to the party.
I have read / skimmed most entries, but excuse me if this has been mentioned.

I own and highly recommend the Mola Mola Tambaqui.  It easily bested (to me) my old PS Audio DS, Auralic Vega G2, Chord Dave and a few others I have auditioned in my system.  It just sounds better.  

It was made available to me prior to purchase to audition from Bill at GTT Audio.  In my Audionet and Mola Mola systems it sounds fantastic.
I have both YG Hailey and Revel Salon2 speakers.

I believe it sounds great with CD quality, as well as sounding even better with High Res files.

It is Roon capable and is a streamer as well as DAC.

Finally, to me, all of the DAC's I have owned benefit from a (good) preamp.

Thanks!  Ken


More to discover