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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
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,470 posts
 
I own the Ayre C5......no need for anything else.  Great
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Intersting.  As much as the Dave isn't my taste, I have never found it harsh. If anything, it's the polar opposite to me as well as anyone else I've ever spoken with who has heard one.  Very interesting.  As much as you love your Yggy, it's honestly not in the same league as these other DACs that Matt and others are discussing.  Feel free to bring it over to my house and we can spend the day listening to the QX5/20 and the Yggy.  
mmrkaic
33 posts
 
Benchmark Media DAC3. Nothing comes close.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
which others have you done listening tests of the Benchmark Media DAC3 against?

I like the price & features...
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Schiit, Yggy, Benchmark, etc all represent huge values for their respectively priced market. Its always great feeling you are getting MORE then you paid for! Congrats to all who have posted and found grea DAC’s with such high performance to budget ratios!

I’m after the cost no object, absolute reference, defining DAC that makes your digital sound like your listening to an original reel to reel master tape! The hunt has taken over 3 years thus far and led me through dozens of DAC’s ranging in price form $6,500 to $43,000! They are massively different and range in performance equally massively. Price does not ALWAYS correlate with performance; but I have found around $7,500-8,000 is the floor below which it becomes increasingly difficult to find something truly reference level. I have heard MANY DAC’s over $9k that perform more like $4,500 DAC’s. But I have not heard ANY $4,500 DAC’s that perform like the best $9+k DAC’s......
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