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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Melbguy- the Vitas gear is still on that short list of true uber dacs.
Vitus, DCS, MSB, CH Precision, Trinity, Emm Labs new just introduced DA-2, and some would put the Berkeley Reference DAC and the Lampy Golden Gate in that list....

At that list level it truly becomes personal preference and system integration.

Are you using Vitus amps and preamp as well?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I hope that CH Precision has evolved since I heard it two years ago at RMAF. To my ears, the suite was a veritable ear bleeder... Positively acrid. I asked the gent if perhaps the system was fresh out of the box and needed a bit of break-in... Gent became very irrited.... Told me that the system sounded the way it should.... CH Precision does not need any break in.... Sounds perfect right out of the box.

Thus, picked up my test CD, and... Left for sweeter pastures.

Thank goodness MSB was across the isle. I quickly reconciled with the world of audio: I was enchanted.

G.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Guido, I didn't say I liked all of those options. Just that they were considered statement products. I heard an all CH system with $100k+ Zellaton speakers and neither the electronics nor the speakers were to my taste. But to some it is their holy grail and I would not want to take that away from them.

I forgot to add the new Soulution DAC I heard at RMAF. And the DAC that was in the Vivid and German Physiks room. The name currently escapes me. Lots of serious choices these days.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi Matt, sorry... I did not imply that you enjoyed CH Precision. It's just that the sound of the brand is beyond my ability to grock. Yet, I am glad that some audio lovers do have an affinity to it.
G.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Matt, yeah the SCD-025Mk2 is a wonderful sounding rb dac. Of the other dacs you mentioned, I've only had direct experience with the Soulution 500 & 700 series spinners & CH D1 with the optional dac board. Of course I really liked the Soulution 745 which sounded amazingly smooth, resolving and musical, though not cheap!

I also run a Vitus SIA-025 integrated which is a lovely integrated & had planned on upgrading to the new SS-025 power amp & SL-102 pre, but re-ordered my priorities and am now upgrading my speakers to Magico S7's which I think will give me a bigger improvement.
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