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
Matt, you have nothing at all to apologize for since you made your intentions very clear. You have been up front about your specific situation and objectives (i.e. only being interested in a DAC's 16bit/44kHz performance.) Your efforts are still very helpful to many of us and appreciated. Keep up the good work and glad to hear that you're still enjoying the process. Sometimes such evaluations can become tedious and less than enjoyable for many of us with less patience than you obviously have.
Matt,
A big attraction to your thread is the honesty, don't change that, continue to call it as you hear it. A friend of mine who has heard many DACs described the EmmLabs just as you, he didn't care for it. Everyone has an opinion about something, some love this and others love that. Matt just do your thing and continue to enjoy the experience.
Charles,
Matt, your intentions are clear and as others have stated, this is a significant undertaking. I am a redbook guy so I am very interested in your perceptions. Rather than taking your observations as "gospel" I think this will give us a feeling, direction or ballpark when looking at digital options. Your ears will sort it out....have fun!
Matt keep going, I don't care how much dust is stirred up you tell it like it tis.