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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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I'm very familiar with that cup and to my ear, it was like most of the Sim Audio gear.  It's fatiguing to me as well as a few others I'm close with.  It doesn't matter what type of dac design George.  There are good and bad on all sides and just because you say that it is hard to get anything better for Redbook today, is just a personal choice.  You feel it is and that's great and I'm happy for you.  To many of us it's not even close.  

disclaimer:  I've owned both types of dac architecture and loved them both at the time I've owned them.  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
It’s fatiguing to me as well as a few others I’m close with. It doesn’t matter what type of dac design George.

I believe I was responding to 1graber2, unless I’m mistaken, but then anything can get some bristling, like they have a "word" trigger, R2R perhaps???
And to describe the SIMAUDIO MOON ECLIPSE as fatiguing is ......well? All I can say is go and have another listen.

Cheers George
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Maybe it was the rest of the system George, but that's what I heard each time I've heard teh Simaudio.  If I have a chance to listen again, I will as long as it's not with similar gear that I've heard it with already. I've never said never about any company as they can always change sound signature.  
jh901
67 posts
 
MPD-8 Review

^Andreas Koch's new flagship is coming. Hoping Matt will consider.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi gang. Sorry. Work has been crazy. Haven’t had a chance to listen to the home system in a month. I’m in a quiet lull and promise to report as soon as the next big thing hits my doors. 
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