2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
erikminer
433 posts
 
Nice thoughts Matt, and I applaud you sticking to your guns.. The only thing I'd disagree with is your last statement:

"Rowland is a big company with a lot of $$$$ and R&D behind them, as is PS Audio. Rowland and PS both couldn't give a you know what about my thread...."

I can't speak for Rowland but I know Paul Mcgowan of PSA cares, a lot..you might be surprised, just spend sometime on the PSA user forums.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,626 posts
 
Where do I find the flockazinga you refer to? I bet it is awesome!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
No doubt, Erik, but I am guessing that the results of this thread have the potential of affecting EA and Lampizator more them PS Audio. The DirectStream has been getting enuf good press that even if I say it sucks (which I doubt I would) , I can't imagine it would have any significant bearing on his sales/bottom line.

If, however, I chose the DirectStream over all the others, I can't help but think it would help his sales (or at least be referred to as a positive review on his site).

Don't mean to make this sound like ego. Just clarifying the statement.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Ah, the flockazinga......

Only found at www.flockazinga-ur-gaginga.net

Available in 3 variants: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Plaid

The basic module is placed exactly 47 feet behind, 23 feet to the left of, and 3 feet below the left amp of your monoblocks. A stereo amp variant is in gamma trials and will be ready next month (although it will more likely be June of 2018). If placed more then ten thousandths of an inch off of its correct location, it will not only ruin the sound of your system but make you desperately hungry for escargot and cause your dog to chronically pee on your bedroom carpet. If it is set up properly however, it will make your system sound like the musicians live in your listening room, ate all of the food in your refrigerator and are giving you the best live performance of their careers!

Phase 1 includes ruby slippers and a cloud with a real silver lining.

Phase 2 upgrades to a diamond coated smock with platinum doodads, magnesium alloy thingies, and 7 rare earth elements not yet officially discovered.

Plaid upgrades to pure unobtainium throughout with a liquified frozen cortex from one of the great maestros of history.

Prices range from :
"are you f'in kidding me" to "three dollars less then the national debt in 1998"

Orders take between 4 and 19 years to fulfill and must be paid completely in advance.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,626 posts
 
Oh my, your post is priceless and I'm about to bust a head vein laughing.
You are a very funny and talented writer Matt. LOL!
More to discover