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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
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Thank you Matt, I also fear that ACS might be an add on for other music servers instead of an integrated server+storage+ripper, which is not what I am hoping. Eventually I would like to replace my trusty Esoteric X-01 with one single device to serve as an integrated server with mass storage and CD ripper.


Future will tell. I am hardly in a rush, and will happily wait for these types of devices to mature.

Guido



ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Look at the Music Vault if you want an all in one that sounds great.  He also will install lifetime Roon for you or let you move your license over.  He will custom build it and it is a great sounding unit.  Richfieldhunter uses one and loves it. I've heard it in a few systems and liked it.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 

Thank you so much CTSooner for the suggestion.... I have started an Excell spreadsheet to track servers with storage+ripper features... Only three entries this far... Please keep suggestions coming. I am confident that by the time I am ready for taking the step towards a music server, there will be a number of choices.


G.


 

ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Innuos Zenith is an all in one with a SSD and ripper built in.  Nuno from the company set me up with their US distributor.  I assume they use a ripping program on the net for perfect rips.  Mark, the US distributor just got back to me as I type this. I will call him to find out more.  email me with any specifics you want to know. ctsooner@alumni.ou.edu
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,530 posts
 
Yes I have the Music Vault with lifetime Roon from Neal over at Sound Science. First rate sound and service. Before you buy you must call Neal as he is an expert.  
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