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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
 
And that, Agear, is why we shut him down......

Because a one horse pony show gets boring very quickly. Especially when only Palomino's are allowed to compete.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
What are opinions on the new DCS line? Rossini? Looks like a DAC, transport, renderer and up converter in one box. Only leaves the external clock as a separate component.... A simplified Vivaldi.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Guido - in your wonderfully eloquent way, please provide us with your definition of "analog" sound. So many equate warm and analog and in my opinion they are very different.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Not necessarilly, audiolabyrinth. Heres my take. I truly believe that when you put the proper system together, there are no words to describe what you hear (or, what you experience), just the emotion it makes you feel. My very neutral stseym portrays rich recordings richly and warm recordsings warmly...but I don't hear warmth or richness but its the way my mind and body respond to what I hear.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Cerrott- well said. At the end of the day the music is analyzed similarly in all of our brains but perceived and appreciated very differently. As it passes our conscious processing and enters our subconscious happy place it pushes different buttons for each of us. At the end of the day that's what it's all about. Sometimes I wonder how we would each enjoy our systems if we never spoke wih each other and never read any reviews. Is our capacity to enjoy different and are our happy buttons different then they would have otherwise been? I would hazard a yes. Of course experience, age and maturity always play a role as well.

This journey has taught me SO much.
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