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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
 
Hi guys. For the first time on this thread, I'm putting an end to this.

No more R2R commentary and no responses. You have made your opinion very very clear. If you want to continue I encourage you to start your own thread about how awesome you think R2R is to the exclusion of all else.

As is my attitude towards life, this thread is "inclusive", not "exclusive". By nature you have an "exclusive" attitude and that's not really welcome here. Sorry.

Feel free to follow, and feel free to intermittently post your absolute R2R support to the exclusion of all else. But once, not for a half a page and not to the point of starting a pissing match.

Enough. It's done!

I will post a review shortly on the Berkeley Ref and I have some killer cables coming in to try and I'll post my opinions as well. Keep reading.
bill_k
939 posts
 
Matt - really looking forward to your impressions of the Berkeley Reference DAC. Thanks and keep up the good work!
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Car analogies only get you so much mileage.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
And while I'm standing on my soap box, did anyone besides Mike read my comic interlude on 10/15 entitled "The Ultimate Tweak"? Maybe I'm biased, but I thought it was some funny stuff....

I try to lighten things up every once in a while since we take ourselves so seriously.....
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
That's the spirit Geoffkit! Lol....

My neighbor went all out and ordered a full set of top tier WireWorld Platinum Eclipse 7 interconnects, digital and speaker wire (literally tens of thousands in cable); and I get to play with all of it before we set it up at his place. They are coming around the same time as his Berk Ref. Fortunately, he also ordered the Berk USB converter so I will be able to try it with both the Mac mini and his Aurender N10.

And I still owe you all a review on that Waversa Smart Hub I was sent.

SO many toys, SO little time!!!
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