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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
agear
1,362 posts
 
Sorry Norman. Goldmund has done some shows with their new hustle and people have not staggered out of the room as if they had been in the presence of God. Guys in Asia who can own anything don't go for Goldmund. Its a lifestyle product for lazy, rich guys who are not climbing the mountain and would rather be spoon fed. That's fine. Different strokes for different folks. As Matt has hopefully realized, the room is 70-80% of the equation despite what the Kii cooperative says....:). Hand wringing about the latest techno-exotica is simply brownian motion as we will soon find out.

From an evolutionary standpoint, the Devaliet Orbs are interesting and actually a novel design...but again, a Sonos on steroids. They would make for a fun 5C HT system!

Matt, I look forward to your impressions of the Ultimates and eventually the Isis.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Andrew,
If by Asian you're referencing the Audio Exotic crowd, I find them a good barometer for the "really good stuff". I don't believe the Goldmund is argeted towards their taste. I'm certain they'd reject it on being "clinical" and lacking emotion, given what they are usually drawn to.
richfield_hunter
68 posts
 
Matt

Glad to hear you settled on a pair of speakers. I hope they sound as good in your room as they did for you during the demo. Now that you have had the Bricasti M1 for a while what are your impressions? I'm real curious on your thoughts compard to the Empirical and to the other DAC's that were part of the shoot out.

Jeff
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I'm not decided until they are in my room, properly set up and blow me away. I hold final reports until the Ultimate's are settled and well burned in. I also am looking forward to the T&F Isis arriving to do a direct in room shoot out of those 2 amazing speakers. I feel like I'm coming close to a final decision though.

I, honestly, haven't really given much analytical thought to the M1. Once the Ultimate's are set up and I get their flavor I will compare the 2 dac's. I've been dying to do a comparison, but without a speaker I am familiar with I felt a dac comparison wouldn't be accurate and a valid report. I want my reports to always be reliable.

I promise that if the Ultimate's are it, or the Isis, then a comparison of a few DAC's will be imminent.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I have confirmed I will be going to RMAF all 3 days.

Anyone else going?
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