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
Just read it Steve. Congrats! I agree with his assessment. It is an exceptional DAC and deserves the praise it got. 
great write up.  I found the discussion about the digital volume control interesting.  I love my ODSE/SE and miss it every now and then, but I do love my Ayre QX5/20.  Just different sounds.
I tend to agree.  Many give me a hard time when I say I like it better than anything under 20k so far, but I honestly do. I haven't heard the TotalDac though.  I like it better than Brinkmann, but the Brinkman is a bit more 'musical', but not nearly as detailed.  I'll take it over the Berkley Ref mk 2 also.