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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I’m hoping next Sunday is as fun as I’m planning it to be. I’m hoping to have a few stellar servers to compare and a fun group of listening buddies to help me out.

The list of whose who in the server selection is not quite finalized. But it will yield some fascinating information for one and all. Stay tuned!!
Post removed 
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
JWM - my muse to take the obsession plunge in any direction hits me at random and is then unstoppable. I’m trying to go to CanMania at the CapitalAudioFest. I plan on starting some IEM research there.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Dragon_Vibe - Agreed. I think Exogal-CEO was responding to a casual statement I made and has shown his respects to the Audiogon Admin, dealer/manufacturer relationship and Can obsessiva all in one quick and concise post. Thanks Exogal-CEO for the offer and the thorough post!!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hey gang. I’ve been trying to find Uber servers and have only really come upon 3 (or 4) thus far. The Burmester 151 server/DAC/preamp and 111 Music Center (both of which are REALLY long in the tooth!) and the Boulder 2120 server/DAC/preamp. And The Memory Player. $22k-$55k based on configurations. That looks rather interesting and has some amazing reviews (constantly updated over the course of 11 years is pretty impressive, and their customer support is first rate from what I hear).

The 151 and 2120 are both $50k +++

then theres the $15-20k range of the Aurender W20 and the DCS Rossini Player.

Are there any others that I am missing?

i guess there is Request’s The Beast and BMC’s PureAudio server. The BMC product seems more lifestyle then high end. The Beast looks very intriguing but I don’t think has any US representation; like the CAD CAT, which also looks awesome but doesn’t have any US importer (you can buy and ship here, but service would need to be done back in England if needed). And the TotalDAC server/system which I have plans to audition, but has "limited" US presence (there is a dealer in the US but any service would still need to be done overseas).
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