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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
11flat6
55 posts
 
Lavry Gold. used by top music studios all around the world.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
One of the best I've heard to date is the Ayre. I know it's not expensive, but it's musical and I've heard it in a few systems and it always sounds great.
jwmazur
190 posts
 
Since you are already using a PS Audio PWD II, why don't you wait for a little until more people hear the new PS Audio Direct Stream DAC? There is a kit available for retrofitting a Perfect Wave DAC for $3K. Paul McGowan claims that you will hear things from regular CD's that you didn't know were there before. It seems the people that he had at the launch of the Direct Stream were impressed.

I would sit on the new purchase while you shop around until there are more people that listen to the new PS Audio DAC. That will provide a wider range of opinions to prove or disprove marketing hype.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Even though I'm redoing my system, I didn't spend that much on the DAC as there are so many advances right now and I want to see what happens with DSD. I think major changes are about to happen in digital.
beewax
173 posts
 
If you Looking for musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension. You should buy any professional Asynchronous DAC with the newest technology and not the top dollar audiophile DAC. You must buy DAC with Asynchronous (timing clock and jitter Correction) inputs. I've been enjoying all kind of music without any tweaking with my Mac Mini 2011, Amarra and RME Asyn Dac for the last 3 year on my all tube Mcintosh system and B&W 802 Diamond speaker.
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