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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
fossda
112 posts
 
dcs could be an option at your price. also esoteric, emm labs and I have heard the moon 780d dac/streamer which is very good, new chord dave excellent. lots of very good choices for you at the price point you are looking. really like what I read about the ps audio but dealer friend believes moon for example has much better output stage/sound. good luck
jh901
67 posts
 
Matt- why have you ruled out Playback Designs Merlot DAC?  Have Andreas Koch's products fallen behind or is the price for performance not in line with today's market?
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
jwm, what your post for me?  If so, I buy at dealers nearly all the time.  Every now and then I will purchase used when I know who has the products I want and can't afford otherwise.  I fully support local dealers.  I do agree that the used market has really hurt the dealer networks.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
The review on Audio Stream today is a must read folks.  All about some of the posters here using optical runs, converters etc....  Had a great convo with Steve tonight and can't wait for some of you guys to start getting thoughts to keyboard on the ODSX run in ethernet mode.  Matt must be drooling about now waiting for his, lol....
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Who will be at Audio Connections in Verona, NJ next Saturday the 30th for the Northeast premier of the Ayre QX5/Twenty Digital front end/DAC? They will set it up with the Vandersteen 7 mk 2 and the Ayre ref gear. Everyone is invited. Johnny Rutan who owns the place has been mentioned in the last two Stereophile articles on Jazz musicians and their systems. Just spoke to Billy Drummand who is the jazz drummer they wrote about last month will try to be there for a bit. let me know if you can make it. If so, I'm the one using a rollator (walker with wheels). Please stop by and say hello. I have the QX5 on order and can't wait. Alex from Ayre will be there to show off his new DAC. Can't wait. hope to see folks there.

Just post here if you can or may make it.

I'm hoping that Alex from Ayre will be bringing his Melco N1A NAS with him.  It will be interesting to listen to this brand new DAC, that just started to ship to dealers this week.  I'd love to meet a bunch of you guys so let me know if you can make it. Pete
 
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