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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
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
@ mattnshilp

Hello

It took me more than 10 hours to go through your threads.

But I enjoyed it very much.

Any update?

May I ask you what is your current Dac?

Have you had a chance to audition DCS Rossini?

If so, what is your opinion?



Have you heard MSB Technology Platinum DAC IV?

Used MSB Technology Platinum DAC IV is on sale at good price and I got temptation to get it?


thanks in advance

Thomas
jh901
67 posts
 
Hoping this thread isn't dead!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
It’s not dead yet. Just busy at work. Lol. 

Dont give up on it. Still more to come. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've heard the new top of the line MSB and thought it was very good.  I would have needed to spend more time with it to tell more, but it has promise.  Just very expensive.  I have heard the newest Rossini two weeks ago (is the brand new one out?  If so, this was it.  I didn't ask if it was the brand new one as I was auditioning the new Boulder amp so didn't care).  It was very good, but like most of the DCS digital, it's a bit sterile for my ears.  Gobs of detail and it is very 'fast'.  It always leaves me a tad cold in the mids as do many digital products.  

At this level you are talking about shade differences.  Folks will have their own flavors they like better.  I personally need to get my new DAC/Server burned in, but so far on 24/192 as well as 32/384 all in WAV, it is going to be a contender as a ultra high end DAC.  It's a brand new design by Sam Laufer's company.  Mine is installed in my Memory Player.  It uses two signal tubes and dual AK boards for proper balanced design.  Very little filtering.  I'm going to learn more about it technically, but don't care as I want it to burn in before I make a real evaluation.  We are also waiting on the Stealth bypass caps for it so the sound will change again and hopefully for the better.  

I'll keep you all posted, but I was concerned about the DAC in the MP, but this brand new design is just sick and it's the first one they've made so far.  
pokey77
1,269 posts
 
@mattnshilp 

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