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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
jh901
67 posts
 
Disheartening that digital hasn't yet caught up to turntables. No one can say you didn't put any time into trying, Matt! I'll remain blissfully ignorant since getting into vinyl isn't realistic.

Maybe there is merit to MQA?

Do members here, generally speaking, make an effort to select the best digital mastering work for a given album?

- Josh
agear
1,362 posts
 
06-22-15: Mattnshilp
JH - I have given up directly spinning CD's. I rip them or download off the web.

I have actually started spinning more LP's as my system gets better and better. Analog is incomparable.

So does this mean the dac quest is back on?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
No, I am more concerned about the music's interpretation. G.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Not at all.

Please don't misinterpret my statement. My digital front end is my primary source and will remain to be due to its convenience. But I must admit that every time I have heard an analog rig in the same system as a top tier digital rig, the analog rig just sounds better. Of course, most of the digital source has been red book. Hi-Rez gets closer.

I'm just reporting that, imho, properly done analog still has an edge over digital.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I have lot's of high rez stuff and yes it gets closer, but I am more relaxed when listening to vinyl and my rig isn't what most of you have I"m sure. I was ready to sell it all and go pure digital when I started my quest, but I listened to my dealer who knows his stuff and am happy I did. I do about 30% vinyl. It's not difficult to change an album, lol. Digital is easier and I like using both. That's just me though.
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