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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
 
09-24-15: Wisnon
You guys dont even allow for equipment break-in time before you mob Matt for updates.

Let the wine breathe...he just opened the bottle!

My previous post was completely in jest. We are all just a bunch of bored, voyeur losers. I wished I lived nearby so I could bring a bottle of wine over and hear what was going on. This is such a weird, isolationist hobby.

So Matt, is your neighbor snagging the demo pair while you are set on the CU?

I would be curious to see how the Isis sounded with bad boy class A like Clayton, Gryphon, or these:

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-graff-gm-400-beautiful-like-new-2015-09-11-amplifiers-07853-long-valley-nj
wisnon
700 posts
 
Based on how Matt describes the Isis, I suggest that CH precision amps would be a great match. Lots of speed.

T&F shows with Rowland gear at the Zurich show...
wisnon
700 posts
 
Gear,

I knew you were jesting and so was I! LoL

Isolationist perhaps, but I do intend to pay Matt a viit next tiime I am in his neck of the woods. It will be great to meet him in person and see his setup after reading so much about its genesis.

Again my vote would go for CH amps or Goldmund Telos amps. Speed kills! Heheh.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Isolationist by default, we're scattered all across the country/world. What choice do we have? Andrew I'd love to checkout your SOTA room. One small obstacle, I'm in Michigan and you're in North Carolina. Not exactly neighbors unfortunately.
Charles,
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
It is funny. For most of us, it's a very personal thing to sit isolated and pensive, absorbed in our sonic bliss. Yes we all enjoy sharing our passion for both the gear and the music with like minded folk. But since we congress via forum we have no geographic ties and only occasionally have the opportunity to truly share what we discuss. I guess that's what makes the shows nice, we are willing to travel for them sometimes and can sometimes meet and listen together; typically with a great glass of wine. It's infrequent, but wonderful when it happens. The local clubs do offer a more frequent interaction. But my life style, children's age, and wife demands limit my ability to be more frequently involved in that, sadly.
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