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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
gpgr4blu
1,094 posts
 
I've heard the Wells Audio Inamorata in 3 different systems. A fabulous amp which sounds as liquid and natural as solid state can, but with all of the detail and transparency that can escape tubes. This from a dyed in the wool tube man. If I were to purchase a ss amp, if I could not pull off a D'Agostino, I would get a Wells.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've yet to hear a D'agostino in a store that I liked.  Personally, any of the amps we have all spoken about have sounded much better to me (I've heard many, but not all the amps in this thread).  They are pretty to look at, but at that price point, I think the Ayre, Boulder, Rowland, AR, Aestheix and others crush it for refinement etc...  Just my personal opinion.  

Matt, not sure if it does have VC or not.  Just getting feedback from everyone I know who's been hearing it that it's a killer at under 13k.  That's a great price point right now as there are more and more choices. The more I listen to systems, the more I am appreciating my own OSDE/SE.  There are a few other DAC's that I like too, but most still don't deal properly with the power supply issues that are so important in digital and I also don't think many manufacturer's fully get digital filtering the way Steve and a few other engineers do.  I know I'll get skewered but I heard the DCS stack again on something other than Wilson XLF (not a fan at all) and I was left asking the question "who would purchase that over some of the other choices in the 15k range".  Again, JMHO and I know many don't hear what I do.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I just found out that Aesthetix is now using the Stealth Cap by Mundorf I believe is he company.  
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
TRT not Mundorf. Sorry.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
A super phone for the ages? Samsung Galaxy s7 edge +,  
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