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
This is not the spot for any manufacturer or dealer to bad mouth any other product. That's how threads die. Speak positively about your own product and let the customers say negative things about the competitors products. It's fair and most dealers and manufacturers honor that code. 
mattnshilp
This is not the spot for any manufacturer or dealer to bad mouth any other product.
I think every contributor here should decide for himself what to post, within the forum's rules, of course. Similarly, every reader should decide for himself the value of each post. Many contributors here have posted critical comments about products; sometimes those comments are credible, sometimes not.
Cleeds. Negative posts about gear are fine until it's from a dealer or manufacturer. Then it's not sincere, it's badmouthing a competitor, unreliable information; and subsequently not welcome. As I said, it's not been an issue as the manufacturer's and dealers know proper forum etiquette. If Aurender posts something bad about SGM, the motives are questionable and SGM and Aurender will end up blowing up the thread and kill the topic. It's caustic and detrimental and had happened killing many good threads. I try to watchdog this VERY long lived thread to keep things fair and educational for all involved. Thus far it has worked. It is a massive undertaking, but a labor of love. 

Thanks for your input! Now back to our regularly scheduled obsessing.....
mattnshilp
Negative posts about gear are fine until it’s from a dealer or manufacturer ... If Aurender posts something bad about SGM, the motives are questionable ... I try to watchdog this VERY long lived thread to keep things fair and educational for all involved. Thus far it has worked. It is a massive undertaking, but a labor of love.

Thanks for your input
Pardon me, but you are not an Audiogon moderator. It is not your role to "watchdog" this group. It is not for you or me to impose our rules on top of Audiogon’s.
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