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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
vn101606
73 posts
 
For me the top two DACs that I have heard are:

(a) Totaldac Twelve SE (I bought one)

(b) MSB Select II

Both of them are great.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
VN - I think many would agree with that list. Those 2, and the Lampy Pacific as well as the Tidal DAC, Trinity Select DAC and a few select others. 
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hey guys. With the help of Sam from Laufer Tecnik I got he drivers up and running for the Lampizator Big 7 DAC. Had a brief issue with one of the sets of tubes crackling quite a bit, but Fred from Lampy USA had generously sent several sets of tubes so a quick swap and I was up and running. Initial impression seam very good, but I’m going to let it run for a few days before I do any critical listening. I had to use a single ended to xlr adapter to hook it up since the DAC has single ended outputs (xlr is an option) and my preamp is xlr only. Once I get a chance to listen (hoping for Wednesday) then I’ll report.

I’m also working on getting in the new Innuos Zenith Statement server to give you guys a report. And I have arranged for the top tier TotalDAC to grace my presence I. July. I’m also working on auditioning the Tidal DAC. Lots in the works. 

And i also owe you guys a review on my Shunmook Giant Diamond Resonators. 

I just moved my rack (yesterday) back to its side position. The front position was a fail.  So it will stay on the side. 

Oh, I’m also expecting my new external power supply for my Memory Player.

Fun things are afoot!!!
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
564 posts
 
So glad you got the rack moved back befor the Lampi demos! I hope the XLR adapters don't hamper performance or perception to much. Adapters IME have always added a level of degradation. 
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Jrigfy- I 100% agree. As you are all aware, I am obsessed about keeping variables to a minimum. Same interconnects, power cords, vibration isolation, digital interconnects, break in, everything. The only variable should be the actual equipment being compared. On occasion, I get a single ended output only device and have to do the best I can to keep everything as similar as possible. 👍🏻
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