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
Hi all.

The DSD-S arrived today at the office; thanks to Alex's brother as courier.
I will get it hooked up and cooking asap.

Review to follow.
Looking forward to your impressions of Alex's DSD-S DAC! He is an extremely well versed engineer so my expectations are very high on it.
Kana813, while the tape is long, he does explain well and the guys in the audience asked good questions.

I now understand why I prefer native DSD to DOP. It is the computer being bothered to remove the header that is used to "fool" the computer or latency.
Mattnshilp, I'm sorry that my comment on the PureDac degenerated into this highjacking of the thread.

Aplihifi, I do now better understand why I prefer native DSD as I explained to Kana813 above.

I am soon to get a new server with two computers in it. One will only handle the music and the other all the other functions needed. It will also have no switching power supplies and no opamps.

I'm off this thread now.