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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
2,480 posts
 
All good guys.  All the politics get cleared up pretty quickly.  Yes, an amazing thread and now that Matt has the Davinci burning in and a few cool (expensive for many) servers, it will be interesting if the Aurender N10 can stay at the top of the heap.  It's not even the most expensive by miles, so it's already a great value/buy for the high end.  It's still on my personal short list if I can ever afford it, unless something better comes along.  

How many of you guys are waiting out the server war's that is about to start as you think the future will be MUCH brighter with advances in timing and lessening digital noise?
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
So many awesome product out there. Why wait. Pick something now, and enjoy the hell out of it for a few years. 
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
Hello everyone,

I have not had the chance to read all the posts yet, but has anyone mentioned how absolutely brilliant the DAC is in the Mola Mola preamp? Very open and natural sounding. And they will be coming out with a stand alone DAC shortly. I understand that there will also be a streamer, perhaps with both combined?

Matt, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Lumin S1 vs the others. I am currently using the S1 with digital out (waiting for the U1) into the Mola Mola. The built in dac is very good but not as good as the one in the Mola Mola. The Mola Mola has more space around the instruments, much better tighter bass and a more natural balance to my ears.

Disclosure: Mola Mola and Boenicke dealer in the UK
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,450 posts
 
@toetapaudio,

Thanks for sharing the info. I would be interested in Mola Mola stand alone DAC only if it has MQA decoding on board. 
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
sorry guys. Been busy. I'll try to get a report up when I can. 


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