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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
 
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.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Erndog- go back and read..... I did. Reviews on both the Antipodes and Aurender are in pages gone by. Short answer - Aurender N10 way better to my ears, in my system. But my Mod'd Mac Mini still sounds better then both of them. The Antipodes was very well burned in. The Aurender was fresh. I'm going to listen Friday to both the Aurender and the Berk Ref. Stay tuned.
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