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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
wisnon
700 posts
 
Matt,I am loving the Kithara's in combo with the Syrinx. Tomorrow, I will install the floorplate with the bass cone.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Would cable lifting make a difference for speaker cables with air dielectrics?
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
no
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Wisnon - congrats on the great reviews. As much as I hate to say it, I may need to get a GG into my room if not just to hear it and find where it belongs in the pecking order of DAC'dom. But I have no doubt it's exceptional. As I said, I've heard it in several show systems and they have all been great!

HRS is sort of the best there is. I am upset at myself that I forgot about that. I just don't know how big a difference it makes for THAT much more money. And I don't think there is really any way to tell.....  

And i I use Shunyata elevators under all of my loom (PC's, interconnects or speaker cable). Nothing touches the floor, and I have vinyl everywhere with a large, double thick central area rug. 
dragon_vibe
430 posts
 
My house wiring is fine, My Wife designed the house and it was built 2 years back. We moved in 18 months ago. I have a Grounding Pole as thick as those used on lighting towers. This is Copper Rod pole runs down 30 Meters into ground and hits water. The house is well grounded.

I think my house was tested for grounding resistance and passed with flying colours.

I don't get noise from my Atma-Sphere Gears, nor do i get noise from my 2 other systems in the house. I run tubes everywhere except in my bedroom which is a SS system.
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