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
Guys, Ayre is working on a ton of digital right now.  No, I can't share much as I don't know that much.  Their new Codex headphone amp/inexpensive DAC is a KILLER at the price. I use headphone and my OSDE doesn't has a headphone amp, so I use my Music Hall DAC/amp or my Linn Kiko (bedroom system) for personal listening (that sounds almost creepy doesn't it?).  Ayre realizes that both analog AND digital filter is important as do a few of the best sounding DAC designers.  They also are huge on power and I'm sure their noise floor will be as black as anything else. Lot's of great DAC's out now.  I"m loving my OSDE/se right now and feel no need to get the Berkley Ref (my second favorite under 15k, plus I can't afford it right now, lol).  I DO however want to eventually upgrade from the Mac Mini I bought from Steve that has that ridiculous power supply, to the Aurender 100L (however I'm waiting on them to double the internal storage that I was told is going to happen in the next 4-6months, but only time will tell).  I heard the W20 a year ago and was impressed, but also heard the 100 and thought for the cost it was a killer.  

I heard the Baetis for an extended period and felt it was very good, however I personally don't like the owner at all.  I don't like that he charges you money for tech support after your original time runs out.  I also didn't like how he ran down other products.  That's for we posters to do, not manufacturer's/distributors.  Everyone is coming out with severs now and there are some nice one's out there. I really want one I can just rip to, but one that also will download from a NAS as I want to use one for my Linn Kiko.  We all have different needs and hopefully soon, there will be a plethora of servers that will give us everything.

I noticed a DVD or Blue ray ripper that can rip 100 at a time.  Just load it up at night or before you head out for the day and it's done.  Have any of you tried one?  I have  ton of CD's that would be nice to rip quickly.  They are expensive and I was thinking of getting one and then selling it. I have a friend out west who got one with a group of guys and they all shared it and sold it so the cost was minimal.  Anything you guys have on this device I'll take.  I honestly don't trust my friend's thought other than him saying it didn't jam and ripped WAV, Flac and AIFF using two different ripping programs for bit perfect rips (did I say that correctly).  Looking at the newest Qnap fanless NAS.  

Thoughts as always appreciated guys.

Also, a great test when listening to a system is to listen to a man singing S's.  I've found on systems that are a bit bright for MY tastes, the sibilance of the note just keeps on going.  On systems that I love, it's more controlled and cuts of naturally like it does in person.  It was a very interesting test.  Jackson Browne is a good choice when auditioning.

Have I taken this thread all over the place yet? lol....sorry guys, but we've hit on most cylinders and come back home.
Oh, I may be at Audio Connection in Verona, NJ tomorrow if anyone is around.  I've asked Matt and Richfield so far off line, but I know some of you guys are down that way.  Let me know if you may be around.  It all depends on whether I have to run up to pick up my daughter at college or not.  cheers all.
ctsooner: The CD/DVD ripper is the Acronova Nimbie NB21-DVD Auto Publisher, or NB-21BR for Blu-ray. I just bought one for ripping my 4,000+ CD collection. Then I plan to sell it like your friends out west.

That's the ticket Jbdian.  Yes, which one are you getting? I've been looking for used ones and found a couple so far.  
Matt, did you read my last post to you? , when you get time,  get back to me, thank you.