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
George-lo-fi just won't let it go. He believes he is right and will state so over and over again.

There was this guy on Audioasylum that would always say DVD-A sucks or something like that.....he would say it over and over....eventually we made up a #9 game........meaning when you post #9 it would mean "DVD-A sucks". After anyone would mention DVD-A then someone else would immediately post #9 and the guy had nothing to say.....it was already said. I think we can do that with George......since He likes multibit maybe we could give him #11......as in two bits....which is what his comments are usually worth....he he....just funning.

Most everyone else can see that implementation is more important then whether the DAC chip is R2R or not....not George...it is everything to him.....As I stated before Schiit has 4 $75 20 bit exotic r2r DACs in their $2300 DAC....no way it is going to sound as good as the $15,000 Berkeley DAC that uses the $7 Analog Devices thang.

However, all things being equal I would also vote for multibit r2r....however, they are rarely if ever equal.

Back in 2000 I made my Millennium DACs and the second to forth versions I used the 1704 r2r DACs....the first Millennium DAC used the AD1853 cheapo. The 1704 version sounded a little better but also only had one op amp on the output whereas the AD1853 had two. Very similar sound. Now, if you use a super digital filter with the 1704 or no filter then you get something much, much better....I was using the stock BB DF1704 filter....not good by todays standard at all.

When I made a proto back then using the 18 bit dual r2r AD1865 DAC chip with NO digital filter and one op amp on the output it creamed my 24 bit r2r 1704 DAC with discrete output stage.....slaughtered it. Implementation is paramount.....however, parts are important as well.
Ricevs,
Thanks for the informative post. Do you believe that Op amps with their NFB are a "necessary" part? Or is their impact on SQ relatively minor? I, as do most posting here believe implementation/talent is a major factor in determining the overall sound quality.
10-26-15: Ricevs
Most everyone else can see that implementation is more important then whether the DAC chip is R2R or not....not George...it is everything to him.....

From my very first post Ricevs, look first before posting lies.
"In my opinion when Redbook is replayed through a well implemented R2R Ladder Mutibit Dac, it's amazing, with detail, smoothness and transient attack that todays Delta Sigma, Bitstream, ESS ect ect dacs just can't match."

Cheers George
Lies? Man, you are off the deep end! Who are you quoting? Must be God because you are so righteous! he he. But God would not have said "In My Opinion". You don't have an opinion....you believe you have the "truth" and you keep quoting other peoples opinions to back up your "truth". You must not have much of a life to need to be so right and to tell everyone on every thread about your "truth". I feel sorry for you. The real lie here is that you do not see how beautiful you are. You are the light of the universe! You don't need to prove anything to anyone. Love yourself.....it feels sooooo Good!
10-26-15: Ricevs
Who are you quoting?


Me Me! Take another look. From my very first post!!
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1398132150&openflup&2064&4#2064

No cheers with this nightmare George