2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I can confirm it is the most recent version with the linear power supply. It is one of the units that showed at THE Newport. If I can play it right, I'm going to try to convince a local Allnic dealer to bring the Allnic DHT DAC to compare as well. 3 days: Bricasti M1, Allnic Dac, ODSE- 3 Pairs of ears.

I'll report when it happens. If it happens.
richfield_hunter
68 posts
 
Matt

Make sure the M1 is the latest Version 1.22 with the linear power supply or it wouldn't be worth you time and for sure is not a true idea of what the M1 sounds like. It is a major sound upgrade over the older version.

Jeff
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Jeff and Matt, it will be fun to hear your thoughts on the M1. I've heard it and was mightily impressed.
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, where are you with your speaker search?
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
My experience with the Evolution Acoustics MM3 speaker taught me that a truly statement level world class speaker can have limitations if put into a room that doesn't suit its size; like putting a big block V8 in a Porsche 911. So my search started with creating a list of every top tier speaker I could think of that would properly fit and integrate into my 15x18.5x9 foot room. I then set out a plan to hear every damn one of them. The list was long and had some really eclectic speakers on it. I slowly worked my way down.

I have been listening for a while now. All the audio stores in Manhatten now know me and I have heard probably 20 or so top speakers. A major reason I have been going to all the shows is to hear what they have to offer.

I have narrowed down to three strong contenders. Very very different in method but all create the closest thing I have heard to totally immerse me in my music. It's interesting that two of my three options were not even on my initial list. Hansen was introduced to me when I went to listen to another brand and Perfect8 was discovered at THE Newport show where they really took my breath away. Each of the 3 seams to be amazing overal performers but each does have its own special flare and signature.

1) Hansen - Dragon Legend E
2) Marten - Coltrane Tenor
3) Perfect8 - The Point

I currently have a pair of Hansen The Prince E speakers on loan in my room, and I have arranged to borrow a pair of Marten Coltrane Tenors to directly compare the two in my room at the same time. I'd love to get The Point in also and do a three way final shootout, but I don't think that's going to be possible.....

I'll keep you posted.
More to discover