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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Thank you Agear for the link.

As for your purple oneliner... Masterful as usual... With just a hint of tasteless... A veritable Agearism at its best. ;)

Congrats, G.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Mattnshilp

"Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD"

If you want this and have deep pockets then go with one of these discrete ladder dacs, flagship over $40K

http://www.totaldac.com/full_totaldac-eng.htm

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Here's a review on one of the mid range models, just look at those discrete Vishay ladder networks, yumm!!

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/totaldac3/1.html
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

This also is a very highly regarded R2R Ladder dac, and it uses my fav PCM1704 Multibit dac chips.

http://www.ch-precision.com/products/c1
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Heard CH Precision DAC at RMAF. I was very much looking forward to the experience because of the glowing reports I read about it. Unfortunately the system sounded grating and harsh, whithout a hint of what sounds "musical" to my ears. Asked the gent -- I believe that was the US distributor -- if the device was perhaps new out of the box and needed some break-in. I was told in no uncertain terms that the device was sounding exactly as it should... CH Precision products sound right just out of the box and do not require any break-in... And that clearly I do not understand good sound.

Left the suite befuddled... Went to visit the MSB folks... Amazing sound of music enveloped me.

Go figure!

G.
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