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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 fliz

fliz
66 posts
 
If you’re in the $15k-$20k range, the best thing you’re going to find is an Exemplar Expo T205

The catch is that the best sound comes from playing directly from a USB key using its own GUI (which i hate)

It’s Roon ready, but if you want that to actually sound good, you’ll be spending the rest of your $10k budget trying to match the sound of the USB key.

Feel free to hit me up if you want to fly out to Fresno and hear mine.

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