2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
 
I have found that by planting red and green daisy's in front of the house, and blue and purple in back that it makes my music room sound fuller and more detailed. I tried white as I thought it would clean things up a bit but it made the sound too sterile.

One shrubbery on the side of the house tightened up the base dramatically and drawing with orange chalk on my driveway did amazing things for my soundstage.

Anyone have a similar experience?

PS - the Berk Ref is in the house and will be hooked up tomorrow to start cooking. A whole bunch of fun cables are on their way as well.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

So be it Mattnshilp, you can bury your head in the sand and believe in voodoo that is preached by some here.
On the title of this thread
"Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD"

PS: Roses sound better as they have less jitter even when implemented well.

Cheers George
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt thanks so much. Many of us don't really care about the tech stuff quite as much. You know me fairly well when it comes to audio. It's only about the sound and how components and rooms work together. I'm ready for your cable reviews, but really want to hear about how the more expensive DAC's will perform. I'll try to get down your way one of these weekends. it's hard because it's college football season and my team plays important games for the next few weeks, lol.

Thanks.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Berkeley DAC is up and running. I will hopefully get some time tomorrow morning to get first impressions. The USB to spdif is ready to go tomorrow. But for now I'm running spdif straight from the Aurender N10. Let's see which sounds better (USB to spdif with converter, or spdif direct).

Cables due in any day now.

Audiolabyrinth - pm sent. Dying to hear your cable suggestions behind the scenes.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt, the Berkley guys love the Aurender I believe. It will be interesting. How old is the Berkley? I heard one in Boston that had under 200 hours and it didn't sound great. I think I mentioned that last year. I just wasn't blown away. Then more recently I heard one that was already burned in. It sounded like a totally different DAC. Just saying, lol.
More to discover