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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
wisnon
700 posts
 
Matt, Mattt, Matt.

The Trenner&Freidl Isis is way too much speaker for your room. Its great, but in your small room, the bass will have nowhere to go. It is not a small speaker.

I already told you that the bottom ported Heil Kithara is the way to go for you ust of emotional involvement. Midrange and high to die for and VERY decent bass going down to 28hz and refined by bass plate.

The other contender would be the Granite stone speakers for Fischer und Fischer ( built by Herr Mudra in Deutschland). Talk about cabinet rigidity...also the best ones use a Heil tweet.

For the Lawrence Double Bass, see what it sounds like with the Lite 7...you may be surprised...
agear
1,362 posts
 
The Isis might work depending on room behavior/treatments and the use of mechanically grounded stands (Sistrum for example). The Ra could be a possibility as well....worth a listen.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Pharoah or the Ra maybe, but based on his room, Isis is OUT!

I cant recall if I heard the Ra (probably), but certainly the Isis and the Pharoah. Very good designers...Andreas is the one I have met several times.
agear
1,362 posts
 
07-20-15: Wisnon
Pharoah or the Ra maybe, but based on his room, Isis is OUT!

I cant recall if I heard the Ra (probably), but certainly the Isis and the Pharoah. Very good designers...Andreas is the one I have met several times.

I had a set of vintage high Pioneers with a similar driver size to the Isis on Sistrum apprentice stands and it did not overwhelm the room. Either way, Matt needs to hear them. He may not like them....
wisnon
700 posts
 
Again, I heard the ISIS in Zurich in a medium sized room. When Andreas saw me in the Warsaw show, he asked me what I thought and didnt seem surprised at my report.

There may be tweaks that could work, bit this was a pretty stylish room with Rowland electronics and other nice gear.
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