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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
agear
1,362 posts
 
I agree with everything you said Guido. Shows can provide an initial sonic frame of reference.

I very much enjoy the house sound of Vienna speakers...beautiful and musical. The Vandersteens sound nice (5+7) but left me feeling flat inside as well.

Matt, remind me again what initiated the speaker search? What is missing or what or you looking for exactly? The room/speaker coupling can be tricky especially when pressed for space like you are. You did a very nice (and efficient!) job on the room.

The Behold stuff looks very interesting. More German exotica. 55k is a lot of scratch for speakers though IMO.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
I can second the recommendation of Brett Messler at Audio 202 in Far Hills NJ. Bret is a hell of a nice guy, very easy going and carries items before they are well known.

Even if he does not have what you like it will be an enjoyable time well spent.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Guido, I found High Fidelity Cables over two years ago and was blown away at how they sounded. They are something special.

There is a British brand that I plan on checking out that might be another worthwhile cable, Tellurium Q. I hear their new top of the line Silver Diamond cable is something special.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Al, Rick Schultz's PC creations are special indeed.... I really need to get my act together... Clean up my listening notes, and start posting my progressive observations on these marvels.
G.
richfield_hunter
68 posts
 
Matt

How are you making out on the Bricasti M1 shootout with your ODSE?

Jeff
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