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
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).
Matt, I agree 100% with Cerrot. Most impressive and well thought out. Well done.
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....
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....

If you can find one of these s/h they should be a bit of an ear opener.
I believe it used the next best Multibit ladder dac chip to the PCM1704 the just as good PCM1702, and HDCD is always a winner. And it does A to D conversion also as a bonus.

http://www.goodwinshighend.com/manufacturers/pacific_microsonics/pacific_microsonics_model_two.htm

Cheers George