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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
 
I think that it will come down to whichever speaker can FAITHFULLY REPRODUCE this fine NJ anthem from the 80s:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBShN8qT4lk
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
A true classic Agear! Beethoven only wished he could write quality tunes like that!
agear
1,362 posts
 
I think it would be a good test track for RMAF....
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Loving this thread. Matt, glad you are getting so close. It's funny as I was dealing with much of the same in my system switch. Once I put the new Ayre Twenty in, I realized that I didn't have to chose between tube sound or SS sound at all. I'm sure there are other electronics and speakers that will do the same thing. I can promise you that if you think you are missing something, that you are in your head and won't be happy for the long run. You'll always sit and say "what am I missing or where is that high end etc". I agree that a very long audition is the only true way to know, but we know that's not real.
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-22-15: Ctsooner
I can promise you that if you think you are missing something, that you are in your head and won't be happy for the long run. You'll always sit and say "what am I missing or where is that high end etc". I agree that a very long audition is the only true way to know, but we know that's not real.

The Isis is flat out to over 40kHz, so I doubt anything is missing from acousto-electric standpoint. It's more of a setup/room/speaker issue. For me personally, shout, bite, or lack of time/phase alignment leading to a non-cohesive or non-holistic presentation and an insidious and subtle fatigue is far more important issue. Beware speakers and/or equipment that are "impressive" or "spectacular" at first blush. That is the premise behind living with things and finding out their personalities. Tricky hobby....:/
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