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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
kyomi_audio's avatar
kyomi_audio
63 posts
 
We have the first Chord Dave DAC In North America for evaluation. All we can say that it is absolutely stunning and easily compares to 100K systems by Esoteric and DCS. Lots of DACs nows day are optimized for DSD playback but they aren't as great for redbook. This Dave sounds better then the best R2R 16 bit non over sampling redbook DACs while being capable of handling every Hi Rez format in existence. 

Dealer disclosure. 




mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
What’s the US retail on the DAVE?

(that just sounds so stupid. What a silly name. Lol)
bill_k
939 posts
 
On the distributor's website it shows the DAVE's US retail is $16,000, but I recall reading that it's ~$13,500 without the machined base.
kyomi_audio's avatar
kyomi_audio
63 posts
 
Dave retail price is $13300. $16000 is with the matching stand. 
jwm
918 posts
 
I use to own the Chord Dac that retailed for 6,000.00. I wasn't crazy about it. The modded Modright Oppo I had at the time was better.
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