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
It's still being build.  Looking forward to getting it, but in no rush.  It's going to be loaded with everything they have to offer.  It will be very interesting to hear the differences between the DAC's considering ones built in and then there is the Ayre, which to my ears is just an outstanding unit.  I was lucky to get to speak with Charlie before he passed about his design and where they put the money when coming up with the idea.  Most of the engineering is past my level, but he was able to explain things to me that I could understand.  Sam does the same thing when I have questions and he asks Mark.  I need a translator at times.  Even when Matt and I go back and forth, I need a translator, lol...:). j/k....well, sort of.  

I'll get it and set it up and let it burn in.  Then I can share my thoughts in a system that isn't at Matt's price level.  I have always been about getting the best quietly signal for your system as even good speakers can then sound great.  I'm also a big believer in amplification.  I"m not like most who say get the most expensive speakers you can afford adn then skimp on the other stuff if needed.  There are some great values in all products categories, but not all fit together.  

I'm going on a limb with MP64 Transport as I've never heard it, but I know Matt and Richfield's ears pretty good and I've met both a few times etc.... so I have a strong idea how it should sound, but in my system, I'm still a bit scared, lol....  I'm not selling the Ayre until the MP is burned in and I've been able to listen to it a bit.  That's why I will make my impressions and share.  I have some more major surgery on the 8th of March, so I will have some time to audition eventually, lol. :)...This will be my 3rd in the last 2 years.  Thanks MS, lol.

PS, stay healthy all! ;)
Good luck with the surgery. I mean that! 

I have my home built quality server that a pal set me up on with LPSUs and to that I have added the MP software suite and clock mapper. Even with the shitty SMPS reinstalled to facilitate OS loading and setup phase, it sounds about as good as the Win16 AO (core mode) setup WITH JRiver.

I expect to go fully LPSU soon again and will wait for that performance leap. If you search this thread, you will see I have been foisting this MP64 idea on Matt for 2 years! I had never heard it, but a VERY high end analog designer buddy explained the approach to me and I was intellectually hooked. This is the road not taken by anyone else in this game ...this is raw intelligence applied to an identified set of problems.

Bit perfection is a joke!
Winson, thanks very much.  Greatly appreciated.  Glad that you have such high praise for the software.  It sure seems special.  I have a couple of friends who are looking at the Memory Player Mini to get the suite with a well built player that can be upgraded over time at an affordable price.  

Matt keeps on truckin'

I have Clock Mapper too and am waiting on recommendations for the optimised Bios setting for my MoBo...both from them and from a very computer savvy (Professional) friend who is also an audiophile.


The Mini seems to be a GREAT entry point too. Its a NUC loaded up with the software. Of course,  if they start with any decent LPSU powered quad core Server, they are already a step ahead.

Load up those slots! LoL