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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 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!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
The new Playback Designs DAC series coming out looks really intriguing. The Merlot was excellent. But you can see where budget held him back from bringing it to the next level. A cost no object DAC from Playback will undoubtedly be a player! (No pun intended). 

My Shunyata upgrade is complete. All new Sigma NR power cords throughout and a new Denali D6000 grace my racks and outlets. 

The Davinci 2 is resting on my rack as well, as is the Lumin S1 with the N10 just below it. 

I'm burning the Davinci 2 in for 500 hours and letting the S1 settle in for a week. Will compare the S1 and N10 late next week. And then when the Davinci 2 is fully cooked I've got a treat for you guys. How about a shootout between the Sound Gallery SGM server, Baetis server, Aurender N10, Lumin S1 and a fully loaded 32 Core Memory Player with built in SoTm USB card and reclocker!!!! Oh yeah baby!!!!! 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt, I'm down with that, lmao.  Seriously, this is exciting.  

Wison, thanks.  the butter thing isn't true.  I look into everything as you can imagine.  There is hardly anything that helps with myelin.  I'm about to start a new drug that was just passed.  It's a twice a year infusion.  Hope it works.  Anything else you are spreading Matt?  LOL...

Guys, I've heard two battery run units. One was a phono. I can't remember the name right now..wait, ti's Sunderland. No dynamics compared to other SS phono stages.  Very low noise floor.  The other was a preamp and I can't remember the name. I do remember not loving it at all.  It was like plugging your mono amp into some of the power strip deals on the market.  JMHO, but I haven't heard many of the units out there.
bill_k
921 posts
 
The battery powered phono stage that CT is referring to above is from Sutherland: http://sutherlandengineering.com/home/
musicfx
63 posts
 
If you are still looking, check out T+A music players. The best CD I have ever heard, and by a wide margin is their PDP 3000HV. Simply crazy it is so good. My MacBook Pro and my Aurender also sound phenomenal through it. It is the only digital product that surpasses my vinyl set up. T+A also has a new music player that streams Tidal (and others) and is Roon ready with flawless performance, the MP 3100 HV. 
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