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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 4 responses by plutos

plutos
224 posts
 
Bill-k took my words. Wanted to ask exactly the same.
plutos
224 posts
 
Dragon_vibe

Many thanks for a nice and educating review!

In terms of naturalism i think the Merlot is on par with very top R2R leagues.
Do you mean TOTALDAC by top R2R?
plutos
224 posts
 
WTF you are talking?

If the GNSC is such a genius, why not design his own?

I have never, ever heard that anyone, ever modified Burmester.

The strong point of Burmester is, and has always been it`s superior,  precision voicing and holographic 3D soundstage, that you will miss, if you take it out it from your system.

P.S. There`s a bit more than "I have a better caps" to replace........
plutos
224 posts
 
Yep, the posting from Talk2me is somewhat confusing.
The mods may help in lower gear, but with top of the line equipment it makes mo sense.

P.S. I`ve had a couple modified players and I restored all to initial original  state. I will not mention the company names here so they can keep they`r business that`s probably effective on lower gear.
One example was my all time favorite Marantz SA-1 that was charged with all super-clocks and other so called "top of the line" mods. After restoring it to initial state with all original parts it was "night and day" better.  
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