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
Hey Agear, If I can point out a flaw in your otherwise excellent purplesome... I do not "splash', I usually slosh and wallow instead.

Concerning Matt's condition, meds won't help. According to Dr. Aloysius Qwantz Schmaltzenstein-Gavronsky, our collective Audiophrenia is a prionic infection. If you got it, you bought the farm. See:

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue46/audiophrenia.htm

G.
07-25-15: Guidocorona
Hey Agear, If I can point out a flaw in your otherwise excellent purplesome... I do not "splash', I usually slosh and wallow instead.

Concerning Matt's condition, meds won't help. According to Dr. Aloysius Qwantz Schmaltzenstein-Gavronsky, our collective Audiophrenia is a prionic infection. If you got it, you bought the farm. See:

positive-feedback.com

G.

Ha! Sloshing and wallowing comes with age and maturity like a fine wine. I aspire to roll as you do in cyberspace....:)

As for our collective condition, I whole wholeheartedly agree. I feign transcendence and am merely taking a cheap shot at my brother in crime Matthew.....
George,

Mani in the UK sold his PM2 a few months back. Great as a PCM ADC but not so good as a Dac he said. The phasure NOs1A totally thrashed it.

I have heard a few BB1704 Dacs in my time and still dont understand the fuss...

It must be me, I guess.