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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
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
LOl, well said Matt. In the end, all that matters is the sound to the listener and how the product fits into the audiophile's system for synergy.
agear
1,362 posts
 
10-24-15: Mattnshilp
I think we all agree that It's all about the design and implementation. Not the cost of parts. I used to own an Ariel Atom. It was a steel frame and a "cheap" supercharged Chevy Ecotec engine. Cheap parts all around. But it did 0-60 in 2.7 seconds and cornered better then any Ferrari or McLaren I have ever driven. Talk about instant smile. Maker!!!

We are lucky to have so many brilliant designers and so many different ways to skin the proverbial DAC cat. Tastes vary, deigns vary, ears vary and rooms vary. It's all vary exciting!! ;)

You have been brainwashed by the standard industry pablum. Just imagine how much better your magic dac du jour would be if quality parts were used?
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hmmm... What would these "quality parts" be?

G.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


This is just a short list of hiend CDP/DAC's mainly for the best conversion of RedBook replay that use Multibit be it chip or discrete. There are a couple that do DSD if that's your bag, and there are many more that can be added to this list.

Trinity Dac
Ypsilon Cdt-100
Phasure
MSB Platinum
Total Dac
Audial (Peja Rodgic)
AMR top dac and cdp (Thorsten Loschec)
Light Harmonic
Exasound
Reimyo
CH precision
EC Designs

Cheers George
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
George, I think what you're espousing is a clear, laser-cut preference toward ladder/R-2R multibit and/or discrete dac chips to the exclusion of delta-sigma type dacs. It's a free world and this is an open forum. But I think there are other forums and threads where punters can read unbiased, objective commentary free of vested interests.

And since all delta-sigma based dacs didn't make it on your list, I'll check out and find another thread where it's not a closed book.
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