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

"I promise this thread will end up back on the DAC track when the speaker decision has been finalized."

Shouldn't this be done in the speaker forum??

Cheers george
Matt, if you do get a chance to listen, make sure its a newer one with the floor Bassplate "Bodenplatten".

I see you are a basshound! LoL

Good thread and I agree with Gear that the segue into other audio areas is well appreciated.
To my ears and on my system the lavry gold was the most emotional / musical dac compared to all the others I heard at the time that I bought my dac 2 years ago. sorry delayed response but I don't usually post much ..
08-02-15: Mattnshilp

I definitely am drawn to a truly full range speaker with deep extension, accurate reproduction leaning towards the forceful side; with a sense of impact and scale that some speakers sacrifice to reproduce the lower frequencies with more accuracy and a sense of finesse. I almost see it as live vs studio... Live is scale, impact and dynamic while the studio recording is more accurate with finesse and the gentle skilled hand of a studio engineer to properly reproduce every nuance.

In other words, you want to be this guy: https://iconicphotos.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/images_maninchair.jpg?w=700&h=297

Is that a Jersey thing?
Lol. Yes. I want to be that guy. But with a good stereo, a more comfortable chair, a margarita in my hand and a beautiful women on my lap.

Go Joisey!

;)