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
TBG, DoP is DSD and latency can be adjusted by A+, for example.

DoP is DSD in a PCM shell, as you most likely know.
Direct DSD is not necessarily NATIVE. It may indeed be converted to PCM for playback in the Dac.

DoP may be limited to DSD128 only though...

Melba, DXD is high rate PCM not DSD...
Wisnon, yes I know that but the computer has to unpackage the DOD that increase latency and as you say it also has a low limit.

Having heard a quad DSD recording at the RMAF, my quest is on.
Copied from another site:

DXD is not DSD (direct stream digital, one bit recording). DXD is a PCM format that is a very high sampling rate of 352.8kHz / 24bit. Merging Technologies and Pyramix incorporated the DXD format into their recording systems to provide PCM like tools at a much higher standard than was available at that time. DXD at 352.8 is approximately 4x larger file size than DSD2.8 though, among avid DSD recording engineers, some may hear a more PCM like quality to DXD that is not to their liking.
The Sonoma system for recording to DSD has limited editing capabilities but can stay in the DSD format without going to PCM/DXD. The limitation for the Sonoma system is that is currently only records in DSD 2.8 (also called DSD64)
Some labels, like 2L, have chosen to record in the DXD format and release in DSD. This allow for more editing that is common to PCM. DSD as a "container" for DXD is a very suitable solution for delivering files to end users/music lovers. Some labels, like Channel Classics, choose to record in DSD and on occasion will convert to DXD for minor editing purposes. Some labels, like Blue Coast, record using the Sonoma system and limit their editing to stay in the DSD format.
What the future holds is up to the consumer. Eventually, the acceptance of DSD will provide recording equipment capable of DSD tools equivalent to that in the PCM world. As a container, DSD has proven itself to be efficient for delivering files at about 25% of the file size of industry equivalent PCM formats. As broadband continues to have bigger 'pipes', DSD could be the optimum choice for streaming and downloading our music in the future.
The best test is to listen and decide for yourself about DSD vs DXD or PCM.
Mattnshilp, I think much depends on the companies with master tapes. I have heard that SONY with the bulk of master tapes and very concerned with them deteriorating, is going to transfer them to quad DSD. If they do so an make down loads possible. The questioning is over.

Having heard a quad DSD violin recording at the RMAF, I can say most ardently that I would get as many of the SONY tapes as possible. I have also heard several DSDs made from SACDs and played as double DSD. Here too I will seek as many of these as possible.
I have 17 Quad dsd files so far. done right (native) they are remarkable through the SE Lampy GG in my system. the native PCM through the Trinity is also remarkable.

original analog remastered through Quad dsd will be a crap shoot.....with variable levels of re-mastering. my next Quad dsd downloads will be analog recordings and we will see how those go.

give me the native format 100% of the time, whatever that was/is. that is how I want to hear my music.