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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
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.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Matt, ok going to get to the mail tonight , cheers Matt.
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
I'm rooting for the Aurender to deliver the goods! I've never heard one but everything I've read about is nothing but good.

I'm still waiting for someone to compare that with the Antipodes server.
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