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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
wisnon
700 posts
 
Berk ref Dac? Is he buying used? I have a pal who has been waiting for 9 months now. In the meantime, he moved from a Balanced B7 to a Bal GG.

Bruce Brown just got his Bal GG and will be taking to to RMAF and playing thru Cavalli Liquid Gold Headphone amp and Abyss Headphones! Room 8000.

Should be good for all who can make it.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Oh, and I guess I do need to decide which speakers are my keepers. I'll keep the suspense running for now.
Here's a suggestion, keep the Dynaudio and when you and neighbor both need a change, swap speakers.
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-25-15: Knghifi
Here's a suggestion, keep the Dynaudio and when you and neighbor both need a change, swap speakers.

Brilliant....
abedirov's avatar
abedirov
63 posts
 
Matt,
Please, call me Aziz, which is actually my name :))
I have not made a detailed comparison between my DS Reference and the mac mini. I just put in the DS and was so happy with the sound that It never came up to my mind to try the mini again. Also, at that time I was so fed up with the various usability issues I had with iTunes and Audirvana, I was glad to get rid of the Mac mini and never use again. The DS was so much easier to use. Sound wise, I remember more bass extension and better soundstage. Also, it seemed at the time the DS was more revealing and I simply heard more music with the server.
Aziz
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,369 posts
 
Isn't $15-$20K still DCS money these days?

If so, DCS is the only thing I have heard that I thought maybe dropping that much on if I could. And even that is a big "might". I've heard a lot of good digital on very good systems since I last sampled DCS a few years back.

I've been quite happy since for several years with mhdt DACs. I suggest anyone looking to drop big bucks on a DAC try those first. I've never a/b compared the two but both are top notch in regards to musical satisfaction based on what I have heard to-date.
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