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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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Thanks for posting Al.  What are the price points of the unit?  Have heard great things about it.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Just found the review Michael L did.  Got the price, lol.  Would love to hear it vs my Steve Nugent Mac Mini, that's for sure.  Exciting times for servers as we've all been saying.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
ctsooner, send me an email and we will set you up with a demo when it works for you.

Just so everyone has the price of the SGM, $16,000.

There are several that are more expensive and many others that cost less. But sometimes you do get what you pay for.

At this time the only options are larger SS HD above the included 1TB SSD. 2TB or 4TB.

For a larger music file library one can use a NAS. And in some cases that is the preferred way to go.

Yes, exciting times. We are always investigating, testing, evaluating and implementing if it makes sense. We have had a few software upgrades. No hardware, yet.  
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,646 posts
 
Guys please also consider the Music Vault Ultra as well as other models from Neal at Sound Science. Plug and play with remote service and help if needed etc... Lifetime Roon all for $4000 and up. 

Neal is expert in these matters and his product is outstanding. I am a very happy customer and one who dislikes working with computers. I thought I would never give up spinning CDs, but Neal made it so simple and the sound quality is actually better! 

Another great option to consider. 
jh901
67 posts
 
Nice sales pitch, Al. No reason for me to doubt claims about SGM 2015, but one of these days pricing audio gear for the luxury spenders must end. Competition is heating up. Computer parts are cheap.

Don't take it personal. The Antipodes was priced around $4,500 until an "agreement" was made to sell it for $6,500 in the US.

Anyhow, you got your free advertising.
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