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 oblgny

I just replaced what could best be described as a “vintage”  Musical Fidelity A3.5 CD player with an Oppo 85 after reading many, many positive opinions on Oppo in general.  I had previously perceived Oppo as “ mass market “ stuff, and while this is a universal disc player with outstanding reviews on its blue ray capabilities, it was lauded for its cd audio. 

And deservedly so.  The Oppo made virtually all of my redbook discs remarkably better in every respect.  The only discs it didn’t improve sonically were those that were badly recorded - which no player can manage.  Unfair though my comparison may be - the MF A3.5 is significantly older - the Oppo absolutely was an immediate improvement.  

And for $500 used.  One of the best dollar/value additions to my stuff in recent times.  Woohoo.  

Modwright KWI-200 Integrated
Marantz TT-15 Turntable
Sony HapZ1ES
Maggie 1.7i and Vandersteen 3A Signature
(Still trying to decide between these - tough!)