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
I also believe the AQUA Formula, even the LaScala Optologic are top tier DACs, you can also contact Mark Sossa at Well Pleased A/V in VA who is the US Distributor.
Michael is now using the TotalDac unless he changed again in the last few months.  Matt, Brinkmann Nyquist is in this game too.  I was really impressed when i heard it two months ago.  Just outstanding.  If you need a Dave, call me.  Personally, I got the Ayre over the Dave as it has much deeper and tuneful bass for my ears.  I think the Ayre also has a bit better pace and rhythm.  Dave has a great mid range up, but the Ayre matches it for my money.  I personally don't love Rossini.  I've now heard it in 4 different systems and like all of the DCS DAC's, it's highly detailed and a bit dry.  No warmth at all.  It's a great piece, no doubt and many will swear by it because it's so detailed, but honestly, I hear great detail in most of the top DAC's we are talking about, but the Rossini to me is like a robot,....just can't warm up to it. I have a bunch of folks I speak with regularly who feel the same way.  I had the original one in my system for a week and I realized that I barely went up to listen to it.  
Wow Ctsooner, and I finally agree on something, The DCS is very detailed but has no soul.

We sell many of the top digital front ends on the market, I am surprised no one has brought up the T+A PDP 3000 which is a state of the art dac, CD player, Sacd player, it is remarkably good  and plays DSD 512.

We also have the Light Harmonic Davinci which can be had in the MK I guise for less then the new MK II absolutely world class sound, organic and in a different league of performance than almost any digital front end you will hear, huge sound stage, warm midrange, incredible resolution, killed the Berkly.

We also have the Aqua Digital and EMM Labs as well.

If you are on the East Coast we have one of the largest selections of digital products:
we have Naim, Lumin, Aurender, Baetis, EMM Labs, Mytek, Light Harmonic Davinci, T+A and we are always evaluating new digital front ends.

The T+A digital front end was rated by Robert Harley as the best SACD playback he has ever heard. 

If we can be of assistance please feel free to give us a call.

Dave is in the shop most of the time, I can be reached on some weekends.

Troy
Audio Doctor
877 428 2873
Troy. Dave knows me. He has been to my house. Talk to him about bringing some of the real contender stuff over and we can play. I'd love to hear the T&A and Davinci. 

Thanks for input on the Rossini guy's. I have felt the other DCS to be overly analytical; but I thought the Rossini was different. Maybe not. 
I will talk to him tomorrow, what is the rest of your system and where are you located?

I am sure we can arrange for a demo. You should call the shop.