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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
imgoodwithtools
236 posts
 
Listen to a Berkeley Alpha Reference 2 DAC. It's the best I've heard at $20K.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Cstooner

Let us know how it goes on  your visit to Suncoast Audio. Mike has nearly all these brands there!
wisnon
700 posts
 
Imgood...

Taste matters. A few weeks ago I posted an account where a man and his wife demoed many of the dacs mentioned here and both lampis came out on top. That may be different for other people. Nature of the hobby.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Have had the Berk Ref 2 in a few times as I wanted to like it and a dealer I like to purchase from when I can, carries it.  Just not as good to my ears as the Ayre and it's not even close to for me.  I know others here have had it in and said that it wasn't as good as the DAC's they were using like EA or Lampi and a few others.

Wisnon, I should be able to make it to Mike's on Sat as he has a Magico demo going on that day. I really look forward to meeting him of course.  Will be good to hear Magico's too as in the past I have not liked them.  I know they have changed their sound a bit and warmed it up, so I'm really looking forward to that.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Wise words from Wisnon. (Say that ten times fast, lol).

These are all excellent DAC’s. Taste, system, room will vary resulting in a market where everyone sells product and everyone is happy.

The N10 is borrowed and back in my room. I’m hoping to start some comparisons tomorrow.

Wisnon, the GG sounded great at the last show I heard it at. It’s impossible to constantly stay up on everything new that keeps coming out. But it’s fun to try! ;)
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