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
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.
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!
You managed to encapsulate pretty much every single sorted truth of our obsession. Still LOL
Matt your probably right.. In any case I'm looking forward to your comparison of the DS to the others
Now you've done it Matt. Every red blooded Audiophile on the planet will now HAVE to own a Flockazinga (I hope I spelled that right).

I don't know about the rest of you but I already paid for mine, before the line gets to long. I went for the sweet spot, the one in the middle. I only have to wait 8.375 years. So you better oder yours before the wait is forever.

But seriously this is a great thread and you are doing a super job. Thanks.