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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
 
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.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Matt - I am totally impressed at how you are going about your speaker purchase (and cd/dac audition). You are doing it with class. If I were a dealer, I'd give you the keys to my store (and a nice discount).
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,484 posts
 
Matt, I agree 100% with Cerrot. Most impressive and well thought out. Well done.
agear
1,362 posts
 
07-23-15: Guidocorona
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.

Ha! Guido, I am glad you appreciated my underhandedness. :) I find that I have to be ever so slightly graphic with my insults otherwise they get lost in translation. A lot of people don't really read anymore. A lot of talking and no listening.....

Your perceptions of CH Precision have been shared by others that I know and trust....but again, it was at a show. My speakers have spit out wretched sound in a show setting on more than one occasion despite having great potential. Oh well....
agear
1,362 posts
 
07-24-15: Cerrot
Matt - I am totally impressed at how you are going about your speaker purchase (and cd/dac audition). You are doing it with class. If I were a dealer, I'd give you the keys to my store (and a nice discount).

That's one interpretation. If Matthew stayed on his meds, this thread would be a lot shorter with more focus....
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