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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
 
Thanks Guido. Maybe Fraulein Muzik would be most appropriate. Hehe.

Apparently the guys at Vapor are preferential to the Antipodes and ran it with the Golden Gate at Axpona along with their monster Perfect Storm speakers. I know Steve from Empirical prefers it as well.

I would be happy to hear a Golden Gate in my room. Should the opportunity arise I will jump on it. But I'm still USB dependent so I'm hoping he's improvised his USB inputs. CMOS would be great.
bill_k
920 posts
 
Matt - with all due respect I think you may be referring to the XMOS USB input receiver chip, which is used in many high end DACs including the Bricasti M1. CMOS stands for a Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor, a technology for constructing integrated circuits but not related to USB input circuitry.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Lol. You are correct sir. I stand embarrassed and corrected. :P

What's a letter amongst friends.

I think CMOS chips are what they used to use for digital cameras. Heh
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I know that Steve is using the XMOS for his new DAC. Gear, I heard the 7's and they just didn't do it for me. Again, there are plenty of digital products that I do like, but I also can't justify the price of some of them as I see too many new products down the immediate pike that will most likely be as good or better and they may possibly be in the 5-7k range or less. I just feel we are in that cycle with the new digital gear with all the break throughs and new knowledge. that bodes well for all of us going forward though.
bill_k
920 posts
 
Matt - No need for any embarrassment please, that was not my intention at all. Just trying to clarify it for others. Wishing you all the best in your extensive search, you are much more patient than most of us audiophiles!
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