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 3 responses by talk2me

ModWright Elyse DAC (with a decent transport like my Esoteric) for sure. It kills my old Burmester 089 and x-Great Northern Sound Company Wadia S7i. First thing I did was tubed rolled in a Philips rectifier and 2 Siemens grey plate'60's CCa's. I even had the Elyse's digital designer come over to my house for a listen.
Clearly a lot of marketing hype and the American obession with "what is new" sells a lot of gear. I am in the camp that believes in building something right with quality from the beginning. I will take a high quality cdp/dac any day over a new this month dsd hi-rez player. It is all in the implementation.
I have had a GNSC modified Wadia S7i, Marantz, ModWright Oppo 105 and Burmester 069 ($$$$). I now have a ModWright Elyse DAC with tube rolling and it is the best digital I have ever heard in my system (Venture, PranaWire, Concert Fidelity and modified Magnus MA-300.