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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
paul79
174 posts
 
I also have the Mac Mini, with the SR5-18v5 Paul Hynes. SSD, 8g ram, Amarra, Audirvana... It is pretty good, but the Totaldac Server is ALLOT better in every way, most notably in transparency, dynamics, and 3D imaging/sound-staging. I also hear no difference in FLAC, AIFF, WAV, that sort of thing... It all sounds fantastic (Linux for music man!!).

The Totaldac USB Cable is a nice tweak for cleaning up the sound from the Mac Mini also. This is something cheap to try. That little sucker was my gateway drug into a full Totaldac Twelve 4 box front end, which I find to be other worldly digital reproduction. Not cheap, but I am not looking for another DAC...

I recently did a comparison to an $80K analog front end, and the Twelve held its own. Both in same system with the same music. DSD vs. LP. The Totaldac lost out to the ultimate ambient resolution and absolute perfect transparency of the analog rig, but in every other way, the two were comparable. Speed, image focus, tuneful accurate bass, soundstage accuracy, sound of the instruments, dynamic contrasting, etc...
wisnon
700 posts
 
Matt, no need to do an about turn, just go lisetn to see what is possible.

You have so far been wide open in giving everything a chance to better hpne in on what you like...
agear
1,362 posts
 
Paul, the Totaldac server is pricey correct?
richfield_hunter
68 posts
 
Matt

I'm glad you had a chance to listen to the Sevens again today. I should have coordintated I was at John's yesterday. Just so your are aware the Sevens John has are the orginal ones not the MK II version. I'm not sure there is a big of enough difference to fundamentally change your impressions but just wanted to make sure you were aware. Having said that the review the CTSooner mentioned from Audio Beat on the Seven MKII did suggest the difference was very significant. I can't wait to hear you thoughts and also am curious on the comparison between the ODSE and the Bricasti M1 now that you have had some time to compare.

Jeff
paul79
174 posts
 
Agear,

Yes, Totaldac Server is about $5K all in, with DSD. You are not just getting a server though, you get the Reclocker too. The Server is a module added (heavily shielded/modded Cubox Quad Core, with custom power supply on a board) to the Reclocker, and you still have all the inputs of the Reclocker at your disposal.

So, you can get the best from a CD Transport, or whatever other digital source you want to throw on there.
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