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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
 
Old UnitedHomeaudio website, from when they used to carry the brand:

http://www.unitedhomeaudio.com/id101.htm
agear
1,362 posts
 
Pearl is another good speaker. Matt, did you ever sniff out the Behold stuff? Interesting design concepts....

Despite the obvious psychiatric issues I referenced earlier, Matt should be congratulated for his zeal and opening up his cyber lab allowing us losers to feed our voyeuristic tendencies....
wisnon
700 posts
 
Matt has crafted and maintained a very interesting thread.

It is an entire circle in and of itself.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
So right. No more Absolute top their DAC thread, lol. Full system search.
paul79
174 posts
 
The Joseph's ended my search. With his infinite slope, he takes full advantage of the metal cones strengths, without their break up/ringing characteristics they have a problem with outside their passband. Speed like an electrostatic with insanely real dynamic contrasting.
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