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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
abruce's avatar
abruce
246 posts
 
No problem I didn't know this thread had a topic
agear
1,362 posts
 
We need hire these kids as sound engineers.....
jh901
67 posts
 
"Go to Ikea and buy a pair of bamboo cutting boards and put them under your amps or your rack; it tightens up the image a tad and they are $15- each… I put two under my main rack."

^Vibration control is one area that I haven't addressed. Stillpoints products are among the cost-no-object. Might be interesting for you to check them out and perhaps some others.

"I kept a 7'x9' piece of the carpet as an area rug but the rest was pulled and replaced with faux wood vinyl - looks pretty good actually."

^Matt- is your carpet polyester or the like with glue backing? Wondering if a genuine wool hand-made ("oriental") carpet won't make a difference? Anyone else have a view? -Josh
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Fascinating... Does the carpet provenance make a difference.... Tabriz vs Ardebil? Age... design... Knot count... Backing.... vegetable/mineral dies vs synthetic... Virgin wool vs recycled... Artful flaws... What about antique silk rugs? Perhaps NOS carpets would be ideal?

G.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi Guido. Glad to see your still following my slow decent into madness.

Polyester and glue I believe. Seams to work pretty well now that's it's not infesting the entire floor.

I have the "Wings" diffusers coming in shortly and that should be the last of my treatment changes for a while.

Anyone heard SoulSonic speakers? Small manufacturer out of Eastern Europe. Ribbon design with dynamic woofer mounted on a glass panel. Intriguing, but expensive. Trying to arrange an audition. I'll keep you updated.
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