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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
denman
112 posts
 
I agree with kclone. I recently acquired a Mac MDA1000 and am amazed how great it is. It's the last dac I'll ever need as I only listen to redbook cd's. It replaced an Electrocompaniet ECD-1dac which is another outstanding redbook dac. I currently have it for sale.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Odsx and DAVE on route back to me. Yay!!!

still waiting on my LH2. Sorry for the delay. 
kclone's avatar
kclone
690 posts
 
this is a great thread, thanks for the input and information everyone. So, a lot of people keep saying things are moving fast, DACs will improve at a rapid rate. If so, why would it make any sense to buy a 20 grand plus DAC other than you want to enjoy the high quality sound now? Or could it be that even though things may be improving, it may take a long time for sub 5 grand DACs to get to the sound quality level of something like a Davinci Light Harmonic?
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I got rid of a great sounding ODSE/SE to get the Ayre QX5/20. I know that there are always firmware updates from Ayre that will make it better and better.  They are going with MQA route and we will get the first unfold.  I know that in a few years I'll send it back and for a decent price, they will install whatever new hardware is needed to keep it relevant and a top DAC for another 4 years.  That would mean the life span is 7 years.  Why wait for 5-7 years to enjoy the music I love and have fun with a new piece now?  I don't have 18k for a new TotalDAC and it's better, but not by a lot, than my QX5/20.  I don't see a 5k DAC sounding as good as the Ayre does for a long time.  Others love their 10-20k DAC's and they probably won't see a 5k DAC touch theirs either.  

This is why we are into audio gear and not just music.  
kclone's avatar
kclone
690 posts
 
ctsooner.  I see the Ayre has the Sabre ESS ES9038PRO chip in it.   Sabre has a rep for brightness and digital glare.  I know there is more than just the chip when it comes to the sound, the overall design and implementation is a big part of the sound as well.  But I wonder if Sabre has done something with this new chip to eliminate the inherent  glare their chips have a reputation of having?
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