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 4 responses by roxy54

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,691 posts
 
Audio Note DAC 5.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,691 posts
 
Even though I have a DAC that I am happy with, I have been following this thread with some interest, and I am also surprised that a transport was not being used at least as an alternative if not primary, since many don't use them any more. What was a little more troubling as far as the validity of the results is the use of a USB cable.
It is still an interesting thread, and thanks to Matt.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,691 posts
 
Matt,
My apologies. It has been a while, and you did reveal your source and purpose from the beginning. As you said, this is a search for your personal best, and what you discover may be a benefit to all of us, but you are not in the professional reviewers chair, and it is not your job to try a given DAC in every possible configuration.
Thanks for sharing all of your efforts.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,691 posts
 
Tbg,
I didn't state it clearly. What I meant was that I wouldn't have expected it to be used as a primary source since so many don't use transports anymore, although I do.
Sorry for the confusion.
More to discover