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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
reverendo
88 posts
 
Matt, after a lengthy cable comparison I decided on the LH Lightspeed (later called 10G) quite a while ago. Did you ever get a chance to listen to it in your system? I just might try to find out how it compares to the 20G. Do you know if the 10G is upgradeable to the 20G?
Haven't been in this thread for a while, so will see if I missed anything important.
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
@bill_k  thanks for the information, glad to see there is now a USA distributor.  The dollar price quoted looks suspect, in Europe 1TB model is €7,500.

Matt, the fidata is in another class compared to the top Melco, Innuos SE2, SOtM etc. that’s why I mentioned it would be good to audition. It can be used as a network audio player via USB to a DAC or server via LAN to a streamer.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Ok. I’ll keep an eye and ear out for one. 👍🏻
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Reverendo. I do not know. I’m sorry. But Dave may know... Dave?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

FYI, a study of measurements and listening I did today comparing USB to Ethernet.  They are both good BTW, but there is a clear winner.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=155232.0

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

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