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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
With the speed at which the music servers are advancing, I just can't justify spending $10k ++ on something that will be improved upon within 2 years.

I have to say that Antipodes seams to lag behind Aurender in terms of product production. Lumin and Aurender seam to produce new product as the technology advances. I like that.

I'm not ready for that just yet. But I'm get close.....
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Carpet is out and they are putting in the new floor as I type. Carpenter coming tomorrow to replace the molding and then I start again. It took me 2+ hours to break the room down, and a serious back ache. It'l probably take me a bit less time to put it back since I went out and got some extra slider and gliders.

The Marten Coltrane Tenors arrived today. Lawrence Double Bass on July 1st and the Boenicke will be here on July 3rd. Hansen Prince E's are already here.

I'm dying to hear how the Muzik's sound with the vinyl floor and compare them all. With a list like this, I have to find something I like and will work well in the room. The only other pair I am seriously considering are the Perfect8's.

Fun fun fun.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Oops. And the Vandy 7 - I have not counted it out just yet.
agear
1,362 posts
 
I agree Matt. I have been using computers since the early 80s and always used to laugh how the hot thing that we spent thousands on was outdated a few months later. That is the nature of computers. Antipodes, Aurender, Totaldac, Lumin, and the Aries are all "computers." What we really need are dacs that are truly impervious to their source.
theaudiotweak
2,806 posts
 
Pass had this patent since expired and copied and changed by others..only 25 years have pass-ed.Active low frequency acoustic resonance suppressor. www.google.com/patents/US4899387 Filed 1988 granted 1990

Also change the 90 degree angles all around especially those overhead on and around a soffit. Think aerodynamic flow, rather than crashing head on into a 90 degree brick wall. Not only will they sound better they look better. Ask a wife.
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