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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
amg56's avatar
amg56
887 posts
 
Crikey, In the small time I have been on this forum, each thread seems to degenerate into mine is bigger than yours arguments. I thought this was a means to exchange ideas and to help fellow audio lovers. I appreciate that there are contributors with real expertise out there, but lets not allow egos to degenerate friendly and spirited help and ideas. I have contributed to about 3 threads in well meaning contributions and each have been shot down, in my opinion, rather rudely. May be that's the US way, but we don't do that in Australia. Please lets be civil and well meaning in our conduct, or I'm out of here.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Please lets be civil and well meaning in our conduct, or I’m out of here.

+1

I absolutely agree with you amg56.

But, being civil and well meaning in our conduct includes you too. You mayn’t go around questioning ones intelligence, simply on the basis of a forum post.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,645 posts
 
What’s not civil on this thread? All good here and hopefully in the US. 
mitch2
4,327 posts
 
Hello Steve,
Where can I learn more about your  Interchange Ethernet renderer you keep mentioning here?  After they finish the Gen3 upgrade to my Antipodes DX I plan to try using it as a server on my network with Roon.  I will need a renderer to accept the Ethernet signal from my network (or directly from the DX which has two Ethernet connections) and then feed USB to my Pavane Level 3 DAC.  It will need to work with Roon.  I am looking at options but while some of the top offerings from SOtM and Sonore have their fans, nothing seems to jump out in the current reviews as a clear winner, based on musicality and overall performance.  Of course, one option will be Antipodes' own EX (once it is released) but I know your stuff is very well-regarded and so I would like to learn more about your Interchange.  I tried your website but the Interchange is not shown.  BTW congrats on the excellent review Plaskin just gave your new SX. 
mitch2
4,327 posts
 
To augment my comment below about nothing jumping out as a "clear winner" with regards to renderers/endpoints, it seems the dCS Network Bridge would certainly be one to try.
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