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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
agear
1,362 posts
 
08-04-15: Mattnshilp

But I will admit I had a Mustang GT in high school with four 10" subwoofers. Oh yeah baby! I worked in a car stereo store back them and did a killer install. It's always been in my blood.

From 2000-2006, I owned an E34 M5. I had some car audio jocks drop in an Eclispe deck, Audiocontrol 3.1 over/equalizer, PPI amps, a Kicker sub, and top of the line Focal speakers. It was killer. I did more "dedicated" listening in my car and honestly enjoyed it more than my audiophile rig at the time (BelCanto 1.1>>Audible Illusions L1>>Belles 150A Hot Rod>>Cardas GR wires>>Merlin VSM MMs).
agear
1,362 posts
 
No email Norman.

The Isis was used at a Newport show in a 14x17x8 room with great results:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Isis+trenner+newport&biw=1440&bih=811&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI9qLP4oqSxwIVijweCh3yCgCn&dpr=1#imgrc=n-BvqjoEGs_RgM%3A
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, what are your room dimensions again?
wisnon
700 posts
 
Gear, size wise was about the same as the Zurich room. See my link to 6moons.

Better room treatment in Newport though, with curtains, etc. Zurich was more exposed wall, etc.
agear
1,362 posts
 
08-05-15: Wisnon
Gear, size wise was about the same as the Zurich room. See my link to 6moons.

Better room treatment in Newport though, with curtains, etc. Zurich was more exposed wall, etc.

I saw the link. They used Viva DHT amps and not Rowland in Newport. Matt has a dedicated 9' x 14.5' x 9' room +/- treatments, so he should be fine IMO.

Matt, did the MM3s overload your room or was it more of the setup limitations?
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