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
Asia IS Goldmund's biggest market, so not sure what you are talking about Andrew.

And money no object guys will for for the 2 Box Logos or the 3 Box Anatta.

In any case, I myself have only heard the Anatta and cold/sterile is the opposite of what I heard. However, that is a Qtr mill, no not "real world" in my book.
Wisnon and Agear - I'll do my best to hear the Goldmund when I can. I don't think it's too far fetched to believe that Goldmund has been able to accomplish true high end performance in a one box, lifestyle like package. As with all things Audiophile it just becomes a matter of their level of performance and their voicing; and if it suits the buyers needs, desire and style of listening.

These are 2 ways to get your system tuned in:
1) put in the work and effort to properly set up your room and your speakers (or pay someone to do it).
2) rely on new, SOTA, dsp solutions to put your speakers where you (or your wife) want them to fit the style of the room and leave the room as is.

Is #2 inferior to #1 ? I don't have the experience to say yes or no. But if option #1 is not possible due to WAF, room or budget restrictions than it is nice to have option #2 available for those who can afford it and want the pedrance.

Will option #2 one day guarantee better sound than option #1? Maybe. I would guess a combo of the two will yield the best results in the long run.

We shall see.
08-27-15: Charles1dad
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.

bingo Charles. Yes, Goldmund moves a lot of boxes to wealthy lifestyle guys in Aisia, but for the folks at AE who are climbing the mountain, nope.

If Matt (or Norman) buys Goldmund and owns it for 5 years or more, I will consider it. :)

Matt, post some pics of your new speakers when you get them.
Andrew,
I took a chance on aquiring theTripoint Troy based on the overwhelming enthusiasm at AE, well they sure hit the bull's-eye on that one. I strongly suspect that crowd would love Trenner Friedl speakers if given the exposure to their sound. I am interested to see how the TF ISIS works out in Matt's specific room environment, you just don't know how these things will turn out. I believe that in the right situation and under the proper circumstances they are some of the better "realistic" sounding speakers available. So many variables determine an outcome.