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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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
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.
jburidan
803 posts
 
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.

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
That's the ticket Jbdian.  Yes, which one are you getting? I've been looking for used ones and found a couple so far.  
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Matt, did you read my last post to you? , when you get time,  get back to me, thank you. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Not Matt and no I haven't heard the Eclipse yet, but I've spoken to a few whom I trust (similar hearing as mine, so take it for what it's worth).  That DAC is a very very serious contender right now.  I auditioned the Rom Sig two weeks ago and really thought it was musical as heck.  I was able to listen for hours to that with Atlas stereo amp, Aesthetix pre (not sure which one off hand) and Vandersteen Quatro CT's with mid level AQ cabling through out.  

I got lost in the music as we listened to everything you can imagine.  The sound dug very deep when there was bass information and the sound stage was as though we were there.  It was fast, clean and emotional.  Things just sounded the way they were supposed to sound.  No grain and very low noise floor.  I was impressed by that as tubes often aren't as quiet as great SS gear.  It wasn't as quiet as the Ayre Twenty gear, but quiet non the less.  

That said, I was told that the Romulus Signature doesn't hold a candle to the new Eclipse gear.  I know that Richfield and Matt both have spent time with the Eclipse.  They also seem to have liked what they heard and it wasn't even close to being broken in.  Between the Eclipse and eventually new Ayre DAC's along with all the other contenders upgrading, digital seems to be getting where we all hoped it was going in the 90's.  JMHO
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