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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Thanks JH. That's a very useful list to have.

With my return from vacation I am packing up all of my currently loaned speakers and resting them for return to their generous lenders. I am also packing up my Der Muziks and hoping for a buyer.

I have not yet he time to plan auditions but I will keep you posted. I will say that the Coltrane Tenor is still my front runner. But I have some very good speakers to still hear.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Anyone heard the Salk Soundstage 10 or the Vapor Audio Joule??
vyokyong
23 posts
 
Vapor Audio information?

http://www.audioaficionado.org/general-speaker-discussion/30482-vapor-audio-perfect-storm.html
dpatterson
105 posts
 
I own Vapor Joule Black. Replaced Von Schweikert VR4jr in my system. These are the pair that Vapor showed at RMAF 2014. I heard Salk Soundscape 8 at RMAF 2013 but they didn't do it for me. Then I heard Vapor Nimbus at the same show which led me to talking to Ryan Scott and deciding on the Joule. The build was completed shortly before RMAF so I agreed to let them be shown (also got some hours on them).

Don P.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Phasure Dac Nos1A uses BB1704 (8 in total) and the computer up samples all to 784hz and does all the filtering in the digital domain.

Apparently it beats all the other R2Rs above according to their owners and one of them SOLD his PM2 Dac as the Phasure in his word totally thrashed it.

None of these Dacs play DSD in raw form.

I have also read some credible sources that said the PM2 was a MUCH better ADC than a Dac. Myth and lore aside.
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