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
Steve
How did you go about finding and then making sure the ground loops in your system are gone?

Steve. I wired my room myself. Each outlet has an exactly identical length of cable running from the outlet to the circuit panel. I hear nothing but silence with my stereo on, decent volume and source on pause. 

However, I would love to hear your grounding solution. I'm always open to new ideas. 
I too would love to hear about it.  I don't know what I can do IRT internal wiring in the house, but I love learning about this stuff. I think that the Synergistic Powercell I use deals with potential ground problems.  Not totally sure about that.  I seem to have dead silence in my system and I've never had a hum problem ever.  I always felt fortunate.  I think the new Audioqest Niagara 7000 power deal (not a conditioner) deals with grounding also.  Seems like this is the next horizon, which is strange as we've had this problem from day one and known all about it.  Sorry, this thread just made me think about this and why it's not spoken about more often.  Seems like it shouldn't have to be that difficult a deal, but maybe it is.
Tried to edit last post, but it's older than 30 minutes (they need to change that part of the site).  I now have my new system updated on the site for those who have been asking.  Thanks.
Yes Steve,

I am also very interested in your take on grounding in the digital domain for sure.

I have almost everything in my system AC grounded, including all external power supplies, and noticed a nice improvement in weight and focus AC grounding even my network equipment. I do realize that these are galvanically isolated with the router, but there is still a nice improvement here.

My tube preamp is the only thing that is not AC Grounded, as this creates a ground loop with my mono amps.

Thanks
Paul