Wow, I just realized I'm on my 5th DAC since this thread started. I rarely upgrade that often. Never had until I met Matt...thanks a lot. ;)....
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 $$$ DAC's into your house for an audition ain't easy.
Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. Not looking for analytical and sterile.
Putting together a reference level system.
My Source is predominantly standard 16/44 played from a MacMini using iTunes and Amarra. Some of my music is purchased from iTunes and the rest is ripped from standard CD's.
For my tastes in music, my high def catalogues are still limited; so Redbook 16/44 will be my primary source for quite some time.
I'm not spending DCS or MSB money. But $15-20k retail is not out of the question.
Upsampling vs non-upsampling?
USB input vs SPDIF?
All opinions welcome.
And I know I need to hear them, but getting these ultra $$$ 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.
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- 4487 posts total
Hi Thieliste, No doubt that TotalDac model is true SOTA. Of all the uber tier DACs discussed here and elsewhere I find the Aries Cerat Kassandra extremely compelling. I just love the design concept and approach to this DAC. It just seems like the type of component that is meant to go directly and deep into one’s musical soul and communicate much passion and emotion. In my humble opinion products capable of achieving this are the most desirable. I haven’t heard it but I can appreciate astrostar’s comments. My gut feeling is this DAC is the antithesis of clinical/analytical/sterile lifeless sound. Charles |
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charles1dad I can conform the Kassandra is an amazingly musical device, exceptional in the digital world IMO. If anyone is in Spain, I invite them to come to my place and hear it, you will be amazed! http://www.ariesceratespana.com/ |
- 4487 posts total