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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
 
Good luck with the surgery. I mean that! 

I have my home built quality server that a pal set me up on with LPSUs and to that I have added the MP software suite and clock mapper. Even with the shitty SMPS reinstalled to facilitate OS loading and setup phase, it sounds about as good as the Win16 AO (core mode) setup WITH JRiver.

I expect to go fully LPSU soon again and will wait for that performance leap. If you search this thread, you will see I have been foisting this MP64 idea on Matt for 2 years! I had never heard it, but a VERY high end analog designer buddy explained the approach to me and I was intellectually hooked. This is the road not taken by anyone else in this game ...this is raw intelligence applied to an identified set of problems.

Bit perfection is a joke!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
For those interested, the Mojo Mystique V3 has arrived and is warming up. 
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Winson, thanks very much.  Greatly appreciated.  Glad that you have such high praise for the software.  It sure seems special.  I have a couple of friends who are looking at the Memory Player Mini to get the suite with a well built player that can be upgraded over time at an affordable price.  

Matt keeps on truckin'
wisnon
700 posts
 

I have Clock Mapper too and am waiting on recommendations for the optimised Bios setting for my MoBo...both from them and from a very computer savvy (Professional) friend who is also an audiophile.


The Mini seems to be a GREAT entry point too. Its a NUC loaded up with the software. Of course,  if they start with any decent LPSU powered quad core Server, they are already a step ahead.

Load up those slots! LoL

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Ctsooner,
I agree regarding the importance of high quality electronics (preamplifier and amplifier) in the signal path. I do feel that there’s an overemphasis placed on speakers in audiophile threads/discussions at times. Obvious each link of the audio  chain matters. If I had to choose one or the other, I’d select great electronics with "good" speakers rather than good electronics with "great" speakers. This puts me in a minority position but it’s based on many listening experiences.

Regarding the Ayre QX5-20 you’re no doubt very impressed with it. I’d like to hear it in a direct comparison with the LampiZator Atlantic. This would be quite an informative and interesting listening session.
Charles
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