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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
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
You all MUST check this out. It does wonders for the sound and at a relative bargain price.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/uptone-audio-regen-listening-impressions-24078/

It is not an OMG right away but a WOW as you listen to more and more different albums (quality, resolutions) and what it does for the sound as you play them.

You will not be sorry.

PS Hi Guido, I hope all is well.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hey AL, fab seeing you at this exotic watering hole... I am doing quite well, enjoying my Rowland Aeris DAC feeding directly the spectacular NCore-based Rowland M925 monos.... And a pair of wonderful Vienna Die Muzik, just like Matt's own.

Saluti, Guido
metralla
945 posts
 
05-01-15: Wisnon writes

....I have to agree with Stereomojo there

A bit off topic - but I wonder what's happening at Stereomojo. They haven't done anything for ages. James Darby's RMAF report was half-baked and hasn't been finished. I hope they can get back in the saddle.

Regards,
wisnon
700 posts
 
I agree Metrella. They HAVE done a fair deal recently, but not as prolific as before. I heard that James was not well at one point. Lets see what they do for Axpona.
mitch2
3,697 posts
 
Hifial, are you talking about the USB REGEN by UpTone Audio? Is this not just a reclocker? Sounds interesting but it seems all this add-on stuff like converters, ifi galvanic isolation, filters, etc. are always supposed to be the next best thing. Do you have one in your system?

Regarding DACs, I will have the Aqua LaScala MkII here to try this weekend. I am very interested in how it will sound, particularly since there are tubes in the gain stage. I was not a fan of the tubed Lampi L4G4 when that was here, but that was a different design so hopefully this LaScala is a different sound. Metrum's Pavane is supposed to be here in a few more weeks so I will have a chance to hear a couple of pretty good DACs in the near future.
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