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
The Dynaudio Consequence Ultimate's are in my garage. Arrived today to fanfare and hooplah, well, i was excited. The MM3's have left the building. I just hope they make a safe trip to their new temporary home.

Now I am waiting to hear from my trusty moving company to see when they can send over their standard two big guys to help me get these 250 pound each baby's into my listening room in the basement. The wait will kill me. I'm hoping Monday or Wednesday.....

I also touched base with Bob from Profundo about the Isis. They should be shipping out next week. Keep your fingers crossed everyone, and by 2 weeks from today I should have both set up and trying them out. Yay.

Is anyone else coming to RMAF? I'd love to walk around with some of you guys, and/or meet up after for dinner and drinks. Maybe NFS will be there and we can hang and listen and drink some good wine....
Charles, the AE crew are off the chain in their OCD pursuits. Most of us just don't inhabit that atmosphere. I tip my hat to them.

I too am intrigued to see where Matt ends up. I think he has two very good options on the docket. Organic sound with real life dynamics and speed is the holy grail. Too often you have either one or the other.
"Too often you have either one or the other" true.
The TF RA Box came as close to having it all (driven by Viva Aurora) as I've heard.
Charles,
The Consequence Ultimate have arrived. It took 4 big guys to get the 320 pound crates from the garage to the basement, and one utterly impatient neurotic audiophile to unpack and set them up alone! Oy mi'back!

I'm letting them steep as we speak. It's 1:01am. I can't play the stereo too loud but at quiet volumes and with nothing warmed up I'm encouraged by my early findings. Tone is correct and there is an incredible depth and complexity, even at low volume. I'm getting the same feel I got in the store - live music. I need to play a lot with placement. They are big, but don't overwhelm the space nor limit placement, at least not as far as I can tell just yet.

I'm listening with the Bricasti M1 since it was last hooked up. I need to get my ODSE back in to return my system to its base. Once I get used to everything I owe everyone a comparison of the ODSE and M1.....

Stay tuned.