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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
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
I love reading this thread! So much fun to read everyday. I don't want to miss anything.

Thanks for doing such a good job Matt.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Matt, I talked to steve N. over this week, The final drives are a great accomplishment by steve, However, though you can use them on the active pre-amps, steve said you can also use the final drives on the dacs, or cd-players that have a volume control on them, I would bet you money, If you put the final drives on the Aeris, or ODSE, or any of the dacs that you have that has a volume control versus, just your prized Roland active pre-amp by its self, you would likly sale the Pre-amp!, LOL!, after I talked to steve, I am interested in his final drives to use with source componets direct to amps, being the final drives are a true Balanced circuit,and passive, not needing any power from the wall, and the fact they break the ground plane, It's a win-win situation!
agear
1,362 posts
 
Very nice. The Meitner and PSAudio should be an interesting comparison....
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
I do not believe it is possible to test all the greatest dacs here, The conclusion would take forever for a outcome, Matt is doing fine with what he is testing, which to me, is more than enough dacs, LOL!
pokey77
1,269 posts
 
Matt,

I've been following this thread since the beginning. Let me just say "thank you" for your very well written comments and thoughtful insights. Though you may not be able to please everyone participating in this thread, you are very well on your way to an amazing system that will speak to all your needs. Bravo
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