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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
mikelavigne
2,243 posts
 

Matt,

i'd find a bunch of piano recordings and listen to them, then a bunch of vocals and massed strings or massed voices. these are where digital has a bit of trouble in sorting out detail in the massed strings and voices and the sustain and continuousness of the piano.

it's where the MSB Select II separates itself from others.

not sure it will work that way for the DaVinci and Boulder, but it might. it's the ease of getting that analog rendering of the whole note.

ideally in the system where you have a turntable or tape deck as a reference with the same recording. but even without those piano is the torture test.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Sorting out the subtle details of  massed strings, voices and continousness of piano are qualities that some listeners say the Lampizator Pacific does in a very natural manner.
Charles 
essrand
297 posts
 
As a silent follower of this thread for years.

I am waiting to see the Audioexotics acclaimed Trinity DAC and the Wadax Atlantis in Matt's audio room. I feel like it will happen soon, now that with Boulder DAC @mattnshilp has breached the 60K mark :)
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I have heard Trinity a few times and LOVED it.  Just a great musical piece.  Played through large Rockports and Naim amps.  Not a big Naim fan and the Rockports were fairly new to me.  It was the first dAC that wasn't 'digital sounding to me. I liked it MUCH better than the dryer and hyper detailed DCS full stack.  
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
MikeLavigne - if you can arrange getting an MSB Select II into my room for 2-3 weeks than I would absolutely give it full consideration. 

Charles1Dad - Same for a uber Pacific Lampy. The room at CAF featuring the Lampy DAC was engaging and enjoyable. And it was not the Pacific. 

Essrand - I have been trying for years to hear a Trinity in my room. They have little presence in the US so arranging a demo is nie impossible. And at $45k, even a 50 off preowned piece would still cost well over $20k; and would likely take half a year to move and re-accumulate those funds. I simply can’t do that. Plus, most preowned pieces are in Europe which just adds risk and makes everything more complicated. I am trying. I even emailed the manufacturer yesterday. They don’t have demo units to send out. And I am embarrassed to say I am not familiar with the Wadax Atlantis. Maybe you can contact someone to see if they want to get one to me. ;)

Update on the boulder coming up. 
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