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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Hi CalvinJ, I am very keen on Daemon for the same reasons cited by Matt... Potential of substantial system simplification without sonic compromise. All third party reports this far point to Daemon sounding and looking spectacular. Unfortunately I have not experienced the creature myself yet. Just in case you missed it, here is the Daemon home page on the Rowland site:

http://jeffrowlandgroup.com/us/daemon-integrated.html

Guido
calvinj
2,487 posts
 
Fellas please report out on this one. This Daemon is an interesting looking piece. Hope it sounds as good as it looks. It looks amazing!
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I'd love to get that Rowland into my house for a week to do a shootout vs my Ayre AX5/Twenty. heard them both at a dealer and liked my Ayre a bit better, but the Rowland was also amazing. Lot's of great integrateds now.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
CT - you always like Ayre better! Lol. And Guido always prefers Rowland.

Each has a very specific voice of their own. Although I found the Daemon to be the least Rowland sounding Rowland I have heard thus far in rag area to its brand name voicing. I'd like to do that comparison as well CT! Or against the newer top tier Twenty XR series.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Regards. No rag area.
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