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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
paul79
173 posts
 
FPGA "controlled" fully discrete DAC is where its at. Make all things as good as possible from a simplistic and overkill engineering standpoint, and you only have a couple DAC's to choose from IMO. But you better be ready to get your wallets out.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Working for a while on getting some in to audition. It’s hard getting the real high end stuff into my room without just buying it. And because my evaluations (not really reviews) are brutally honest, compare one to another, and pick a “winner” many companies aren’t willing to send me stuff to audition. 

Im trying. I am. 


paul79
173 posts
 
You really cannot go wrong with either one of the two in my mind. One is much more reasonably priced though!!!!
Post removed 
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Yes there is a lot of great digital out here now and it’s getting better as we go. So many great options. There is no 1 best. All depends on what we have for a system and how we listen. When I installed the new Hurricane cords to my system the SQ went to a new level.  That told me that all digital is so dependent on power. Probably more than analog.  
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