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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Ooops this last one in the 1988 uncompressed list, is 2014 issue and should be in the compressed list below.  
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/76394 
luisma31
516 posts
 
Thank you George, I got a 1973 Japanese pressing, near mint, $44, outstanding sonics, will check your links later, appreciate it
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

luisma31

Thank you George, I got a 1973 Japanese pressing, near mint, $44, outstanding sonics, will check your links later, appreciate it



Yes all the 73’s and 80’s vinyls, are the same on DRTB all from the master without a doubt, untouched like the 80’s CD’s

All the 73 pressing very good
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/86681

Don’t advise anyone go near the 2014 re-issue vinyl, it’s been compressed like the CD’s.
http://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/76673

Cheers George
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've heard a lot of the top DAC's and some were chips and some were ladder types.  Every top designer I've spoken with have played with both and feel that the newer chips, if implemented properly will perform better than the ladder types.  

That said some of my favorite DAC's do use ladder type and some use traditional DAC chips.  When folks make blanket statements as you do and probably always will, you lose credibility.  There are multiple ways to skin a cat and that's reality especially when the chips are getting better and better.  

#respectothers
reverendo
88 posts
 
So, I'm currently on an upgrade path.

I have a Resolution Audio Cantata 2.0. I had the Holo Audio May KTE for trial and, in my system, it would have been a lateral move, so it went back.

I have a Lampizator TRP w/ vc on its way for a trial, but would love some suggestions.

As a reference point, the best DAC I've ever heard was the original Light Harmonic DaVinci, but I can't find any on the used market and cannot come even close to the cost of new model, which I haven't heard yet. I also was able to compare a highly upgraded Lampizator GG1 (which the owner calls GG1.9) with 242 tubes side-by-side with the Cantata and it was CRUSHED, which is why I'm trying to give the TRP a go, hoping that it will play close to that level with the right tubes.

I am not a tubes person, but if the TRP does what it supposed to do I will begrudgingly keep it.

So, suggestions, used or new, in the $4k - $6k range are welcome.

BTW, I didn't give the Cantata 3.0 a go because I was not able to audition it and I did not want to buy blind.
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