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 marqmike

My amp seemed to continue to sound better up to 1.5yrs from new. I used it about 15hrs a week. I am not sure why but here is a theory. The better amps eventually align all the molecules and atoms and other things all the way back to the power plant and out to the speakers. Thus creating a more coherent non nasty flow of atoms and molecules and stuff. Why else would it take so long? Yea that is it.