2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
jh901
67 posts
 
Mitch2- much appreciate your views on digital transports. I'll be following Matt's journey, which I believe will eventually get around to transport/DAC. I'm interested in the integrated storage transports- 2TB should be plenty for a music collection expected to reach 3,000 albums (80/20 redbook/hi-res) by 2020. I think?

Anyhow, I wonder if Roon's features will show up with Antipodes, Aurender, etc? I'd like to have that dynamic interaction of my collection with info from the internet. I'll try to be ready to buy in another year, which could be good timing. Meantime, I'll enjoy my Cary 306 SACD Pro and I'll continue adding to my music collection!

Finally, thanks again to all those contributing to this thread.

Cheers, Josh
paul79
174 posts
 
Surprised you found the Pearl 3 bright... It is anything but that IME. Detailed, accurate, transparent, yes. This they are. Put bad in front of them, and you hear it.

I have never been able to assess sound at showrooms or at audio shows. It just doesn't work.

If you've found something that almost works, for a decent price, it will likely be cheaper to fix the room :) Then put any darn speaker you want in there.
agear
1,362 posts
 
Norman, Goldmund has always been cutting edge engineering. My speaker designer (Dale Pitcher) said they have been at the forefront of mechanical grounding, etc. Their only real downside is the price tag....
agear
1,362 posts
 
But price tag may not be an issue for Mattheus. He appears to be a baller and operates in the stratosphere where most of cannot breathe.....
wisnon
700 posts
 
Too rich for my blood, but what a feedback I got.

Matt will surely haul himself to Manhatten based on what I relayed to him. I am gonna try to get a local demo myself.

What did my pal say, the future is already here and most dont know it yet…wireless!
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