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
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.
the DaVinci is still the best one-box DAC I've heard until today. I also loved the full stack of the Scarlatti was incredible, but complicated. both are crazy money, but I haven't heard better. Still want to listen an AudioAero LaSource and Gryphon Kalliope.