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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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,448 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. 


bill_k
912 posts
 
Matt, you're such a tease! ;~) No need to apologize, all of your effort to share your impressions on this thread is greatly appreciated. We'll look forward to further updates as your schedule permits, thanks!
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
Hi guys

My recommendation for a world class dac would be the Mola Mola designed by Bruno Putzeys from the ground up using their own discrete dac chip. The claim is that the design totally isolates jitter. 

The dac is only available at this time incorporated into their preamp. Sometime early next year a stand alone version will be available. Cost including the preamp is £11,000. The preamp can also come with a phono stage if required as an optional extra.
bill_k
912 posts
 
Mola has been touting their stand alone DAC for well over a year and yet it still doesn't exist. Their engineering skills are very well documented but they seem to have some issues delivering a finished product to the marketplace.
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