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
Matt, speak to Rick (the owner/developer) at High Fidelity Cables directly, even if you need to call back a few times. He will give you an honest answer. He is that type of guy. Also, he is a wealth of information.

PS it is a shame you could not make it to the NY Audio Show this past weekend as Rick was there and holding talks about his cables.
Not in a rush. I'm playing with my neighbors HF PC's and just came up with the question Monday morning. I'll let them burn in for a few days. I'll call and ask, but I have been told "off thread" that even for front end and preamp that the helix makes a difference. It's just a massive cost to swallow for power cords...... Considering I already have good PC's, I think that will be amongst my last upgrades. I'm playing with speaker wire and interconnect right now.

I did just order a Plasmatron from VH Audio. I've heard so many good things about it and the call of the siren Plasmatron was too great to fight. Also installing the Encironmental Potentials EP-2050 Surge and AC Waveform Correction module and four EP-2750 ground filters into my circuit breaker box when I find time this week or next. I'll report those findings. By the way, Chris VenHaus of VH is a great audio guy and provides terrific product and service. I got the Plasmatron, the EP stuff and four new cooked Furutech GTX-D rhodium outlets. I got some replacement fuses from him previously. Always great communication and solid product.
The outlets you just bought take every bit of 500 hrs to burn in, and boy are they nasty,going up and down, really bad experience, best to stick them on a refrigerator, or equivalent for these hrs, the outcome after burn in makes you scratch your head in bewilderment at the performance they achieve.
144 hours pre-cooked with purchase. So another 356 hours to go.

I owe you a phone call Audiolabyrinth. I'll try tomorrow.
Matt,

I was one of the first adopters of the Plasmatron.

I would order his cable upgrade:
(VH Audio)- which uses OCC UniCrystal copper, as well as my AirLok dielectric.

This product is so good I am having him build a 220V unit for Waversa Systems CEO in South Korea. I believe this unit will be very popular over there.

My unit is the 6 Amp version. I believe this is not necessary as most people would not plug in video or pre-amp. Video (OLED/LCD/Plasma) will contaminate the line.

The Plasmatron needs warm up of 1 hour before full effect...then you are immersed into the music.