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
Sorry for the slow period. I'm hoping to get some listening time in this Wednesday. Word is I will be getting an updated MSB DAC with faster clock to compare to the last one I had in. I'm also getting a YFS fully loaded music server to go head to head with the Aurender N10 which has been getting better and better with burn in. I'm also trying to buy a pair of Shunyata Sigma HC power cords but the guys on the 'gon don't seam to respond to my offers or just decline them without counter-offering. My offers are not low balls, so I'm left sorta scratching my head....

I also may be able to borrow the new Aesthetix Eclipse Romulus to try. It put on quite a show in the brief time I heard it at Johnies. Worth pursuing.

I also heard that Steve is about ready to ship his new uber dac, the ODSX. I'd love to get my hands on one! Lots of other suggestions have come up as well. Some I am trying to pursue, others not so much.....

I can say, without hesitation, that my Dynaudio Consequence Ultimate speakers get better and better and make me shake my head every time I listen. They are just mind blowingly good speakers....

Stay tuned....
I"m heading down to Audio Connection on Saturday to audition the Vandy Quatro CT's with the Ayre AX5/20.  I will be auditioning the Romulus Eclipses as Johnny is in love with it and Matt had such nice things to say.  Sorry I missed you guys at the Aesthetix event.  That would have been a blast, but I couldn't make it.  Was told by a few that the Vandy 7;s never sounded as good and personally I think they need to be back closer to the wall.  But they are so good they can be put anywhere.  Glad your Dynaudio's are still blowing you away.  Hopefully they will keep doing that for you.  It's really fun when you are in that situation with your system isn't it?  I'm loving the Aurender servers.  Hearing them at a lot of places now and they always sound great regardless of the model.  I have heard a few other's and feel the Aurender has sounded better.  Lot;s of variables in the equation, but it;s an impressive company for sure. Can't wait to hear about the OSDX too.  

Another DHT DAC with R2R chips in it.  Check out:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=icm8ojuu9fpe4n6k814jpbektdcpnkv5&topic=138741.0

The manufacturer (bigkidz) commented in the next to last comment on this post:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/hot-off-the-press-yggdrasil-review

$4800 intro price.....going up to $8800 in full production.  This is WORTH looking into!

BigKidZ reached out to me. I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to get back to him. I think he's in NJ. If he wants to bring his DAC over for a day to play id be happy to report. 

Thanks Wisnon. That Sound Galleries Server looks like it could be terrific. Do you know of a direct web site or email to get onto a mailing list for info?

Have fun CT. If I can get there to say hello and join you I will.