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 whats_edoo

Hi guys

My name is Michael Broughton. I was hired by Merging technologies to put together room 1025 at RMAF 2015. This year in particular the success of the sound in our room goes equally to all the manufacturers who provided equipment. I wish to give them their just dues.

Merging technologies brought their new eight channel NADAC. Yesterday we streamed hi rez files over a network cable from a computer to the NADAC directly to a pair of mono blocks.

I will leave it to those of you who heard the room to give your opinions of the sound. But I will say everybody participating in this room is very happy with what we have accomplished.

Ayre acoustics graciously loaned us a twenty series preamp a pair of twenty series mono blocks and their seven series CD player.

German Physiks provided the Carbon MK IV speakers.

Purist Audio provided all the cabling.

And last but not least Star Sound Technologies provided the component platform, amp platforms, and speaker platforms.