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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
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Matt, thanks for sharing. Isolation is so important and easy to implement and the results are outsized in their rewards.

It makes sense to hold off until the Orea Bordeaux is available. 

FYI, I have found that the Gaias fall apart before hitting their weight limits, (implemented under speakers).

I'm not surprised by your results with your Preamplifier. I've experienced marginal gains (so far) with my preamp....everything else has responded fabulously.

Give Ingress Engineering's RollerBlocks a try. A very good value...in case you want to try something else. The Level 3 Version 2, specifically...Request the carbide bearings.

Looking forward to your ongoing findings and results.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I’m using Anvil Turntable Footers under my Preamp. Bruce McDougall’s Footer (designed for turntable applications though applicable elsewhere, dependant on weight limits) is an interesting product. It requires more care in setup and getting dialed in. His Footers are definitely worth checking out. They did and continue to make a difference under my preamp...which was the least responsive to the other footers I tried.
shakira
149 posts
 
Try Mojo Mystique Dac
neoshah
33 posts
 
All isolation and footers are system and taste specific. However just adding my experience. 
In my friends setup. I've heard the shun mook giants under the neoaudio origine cdp and it's made a phenomenal change esp the bass. It replaced the ultra 5.
All the best 
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Shakira - Mojo is sending me a Mystique shortly. Thanks.

Neoshah - I’m trying to arrange for some ShunMook footers. I have been told by several people that they are musts on the audition list.

I cant tell you guys how big a difference these footers make. There are more subtle results with some, but changing from one to another can be staggeringly different. Seriously.
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