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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
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
988 posts
 
"Where did you get your EE degree?
Steve N.
Empirical Audio"

Most unclassy indeed. And then he clams up after Almarg's classy reply, tormented by what his next response should be - even more unclassy.

This is why in any forum discussion like this, civilities are of paramount importance.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jon2020,
Well said, I have high regard for Al's technical knowledge and just as much for his demeanor as demonstrated once again.
Charles,
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
988 posts
 
Charles1dad,
Unless I am missing someone else, 99.999% of us in this forum would agree with you where Al is concerned.
J.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
+1. G.
erikminer
433 posts
 
@Agear said:
He has had a longstanding love affair with Berkley as has the audio press. What has changed from a design and/or sonic standpoint?

I have no idea.. I haven't heard the new unit.. But the review in TAS was pretty through, as was the interview with the designers.. And what I found most interesting is how both reviews mentioned the big improvements in rebook playback..

In any case I surely don't have 16 Grand sitting around to drop on a Dac :-) so how good (or doesn't) it sounds is all academic for me
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