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 2 responses by whart

I've checked this thread periodically and commend @mattnshilp for putting his money behind these various DACs- it seems like this has taken on a life of its own, with lot's of good comments.
 I've never done digital seriously, and am now contemplating it for the first time.
My question- without wading through all of the thousands of postings- is whether, for Redbook, the r2r type (whether discrete or chip based) no oversampling, no filter type, e.g. Audio Note and the like, are as good as some of the more modern DACs. I have little interest in DSD, SACD, networking, ripping, or streaming. Just playing standard CDs. TIA. 
bill hart
Steve- thank you for the thoughtful and thorough response. Let me chew on this.