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
What about the 1973 pioneer Kabucki home stereo speakers, I owned some before, mint condition, sounded like crap, sold them to a vintage speaker collector for good money!, I'm not kidding a bit about this one, cheers.
They were the pioneer cs- 901, these were out before pioneer came to america by a couple of months, I believe I sold them last year after I played with them for 6 months laughing at them trying to play music, I thought to myself, man, has audio speakers come along way!, LoL!
I have an Esoteric K-01. Love it! The reason I bought it was it can be a great DAC for computer playback AND a great disc spinner. I have a lot of SACD's that cannot be ripped so the player is essential.