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
Matt, that's actually kind of funny and a great analogy, lol.  Thanks for the laugh.  
Yes, everything makes a difference in digital.  

Wisnon, I wish I could be there, but I have knee surgery in Sept and won't be cleared to travel anywhere for at least two months. Having MS really slows down my recovery times.  Plus, being the Fall, I'd be in OK for football if I could travel, lol....It's too bad as I've love to hear that demo.  

Charlie Hansen told me on CA that there will be a Roon server that's non computer based being released in the Fall.  I'm going to find out more.  It's not going to be an Ayre, but we will see.  

Looks like there will be a lot of servers coming out in the next couple of years.  Things will need to shake out a bit for servers.  
But i believe that proper conditioning and good cables can compensate for a lot of the hash from the AC line.

I went that route with Entreq gear. The best power conditioner I’ve ever used, and still use.

And the Ziro Disclosure power cord - mind blowing what a power cord can do, when it addresses RFI/EMI.

Still when I installed the Bakoon DAC into my system, I was blown away at the noise floor and lack of distortion.

I read about the Japanese audiophile who had his own electrical pole installed. Sounded crazy at the time, but not so much anymore.
McDude, the argument is that battery power kills dynamics and that there is no free lunch.
Cstooner soorry to hear about the surgery, but even more so about the MS. For the latter, I hear that eating farm fresh organic butter may help with the re-myelination of the nerves? Worth a shot and if nothing else is healthy and delish.
I heard a rumor about butter.....

but im not going to spread it!

😂😂😂😂😋

Sorry. Couldn't help myself! I'm a dad! Couldn't pass up the dad joke opportunity!