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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
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
I feel so confident in this dac that it would be interesting to see if MSB could actually beat it. I would hope so at 100,000.00.

@jwm

I’m just curious, what music do you prefer to listen to?

After looking at the MSB price sheet http://www.msbtech.com/image/Retail_Price_List_2016.pdf I’d also be curious to understand what you perceive is missing from lesser DACs, that these MSB DACs offer.

Thanks.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Jwm - the Memory Player & Davinci2 setup is staggeringly good. I don’t doubt the performance of the Bricasti but I find it bordering on inconceivable that even with Ethernet feeding it, it would equal my current setup.

USB, when properly implemented, is still a viable and exceptional modality.

But as I said, I will arrange to have the Bricasti SE over so I can give it a proper evaluation. I’ll run it usb and Ethernet.

I dont believe in absolute statements like:
- you have not heard the best unless you have heard.....
- if it’s not ___ chip then it can’t be the best

I believe in hearing it and comparing in a familiar system with familiar music. 👍🏻
jwm
918 posts
 
I’m just saying Ethernet is a whole another ball game at least with the Bricasti. 
jwm
918 posts
 
Gdhal I don’t know that’s why I’d like to hear the MSB in my system. My taste in music is mainly jazz (bebop, west coast, big band). I also love classical and blues (sonny terry and brownie, lightnin hopkins, johnny lee hooker).
willemj
1,036 posts
 
I remain to be convinced that there is still meaningful progress to be made in DACs for 16/44. However, some may find the following link on filters interesting: http://archimago.blogspot.nl/2018/01/audiophile-myth-260-detestable-digital.html
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