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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads!!

May your day be filled with wonderful family and beautiful music!!
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Mattnshilp, enjoy your father's day and ignore as much of the pressure on you as you can. Incidentally, I hope you are enjoying your listening experiences.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Emmlabs ... Nuff said
joecasey
484 posts
 
Have you tried the Final Drive yet with the preamp?
Steve (Empirical Audio), is it safe to say your Final Drive is virtually a Music First or Bent TAP-X without a volume control?
agear
1,362 posts
 
My room is NOT the ideal acoustic environment. There are a lot of reflective surfaces and an audible slap echo. At his urging, I am going to broach the idea with my Wife of maybe some subtle acoustic treatments to improve on the room a bit. Don't get me wrong, its not horrific, but it is evident. The system still sounds stunning, but could certainly sound better with some treatments. Since the room is on the bright side, my decision as to synergy and what sounds best in my room are certainly affected by these factors.

Amazing how that factors into your decision making. If you remain in your current room, tubes and/or darker sounding SS should be the ticket. I know Steve Nugent made the comment that Rowland has a darker tinge to it, but given the state of things in digital, that is not necessarily a bad thing. I owned the ASR Emitter I blue exclusive (2006 vintage) for a bit, and I enjoyed the darker, slightly bottom heavy sound.
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