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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
dpac996's avatar
dpac996
714 posts
 
@mattnshilp forgive me if I did not pick it out of this lengthy thread (really wish agon had better inner-thread searching) but have you heard the MSB Discrete DAC? Even with the extra power supply and a quad USB module, the DAC is well under 15K; From the website, this dac appears to deploy the same prime R2R modules (used in all the higher up models);
If anyone here has heard/bought this compelling looking model please chime in. Thank you
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
I have not heard any MSB since I heard the DAC V, which I discussed in pages long gone by. Years ago now. 

the new ones are supposedly excellent. 
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt, the built in Laufer Technik DAC is crushing it (built into my Memory Player server which is by far the best server I've ever heard).  Just open, dynamic, Tuneful...you name it and it's doing it.  I know he's got a new tube to bring over for it next week that will raise the bar even more.

Guys, this is a prototype that Sam and Mark are about to break out and put in it's own box.  I don't know what they plan on charing for this one, but they have decided to bring it to market.  I've heard my prototype go from sounding nice to very good to outstanding.  Every change and rebuild had taken it to the next level.  The new cases will be stunning also. 

Right now there are so many great DAC's in the 10k ish range, that's it's awesome.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
From the website, this dac appears to deploy the same prime R2R modules (used in all the higher up models);
If anyone here has heard/bought this compelling looking model please chime in
👍
Correct, I have an MSB discrete dac also, as this thread is supposed to be all about
" Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD"

I can still keep saying as I’ve always said way back, no other conversion topology comes close to R2R Multibit for doing PCM 16/44,  26/96 or DXD

Cheers George
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Yes George, you will post as often as you can about the R2R, even though many of us feel that there are other designs that we feel sound better than any of the R2R's we've heard to date.  Both have their strengths and weaknesses.  That's the reality.  

Heck, Steve Nugent has made both types of DAC;s and is preferring non R2R right now for many reasons.  

Lot's of great DAC's out now in all price ranges.  
More to discover