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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
 
Interesting UPDATE:

I was approached by the owner of APL HiFi, Alex Peychev, and offered an audition of his DSD-S. This is an $8K DAC, all hand built with lots of high end doo dads, gizmos and proprietary thingamabobs that we audiophiles love to have in our gear! Relatively boutique line so not super well known. Both PCM and DSD compatable. Feel free to do a google search to learn more about it, it has very impressive specs.

I'll post my update/review when I get it in and give it a listen.

Wednesday is soon approaching for my ODSE vs DS battle. I'll keep you posted. The DS is steeping and the ODSE is resting up for the big fight.
schussor
15 posts
 
The problem is that an orchestra is not the funnest thing to coordinate and you are less likely to get the world class performers you want into your hall. Besides, musicians tend to not like being called up to play unfamiliar pieces at odd hours. On the other hand they do not like playing the same thing over and again either.
schussor
15 posts
 
The problem is that an orchestra is not the funnest thing to coordinate and you are less likely to get the world class performers you want into your hall. Besides, musicians tend to not like being called up to play unfamiliar pieces at odd hours. On the other hand they do not like playing the same thing over and again either.
agear
1,362 posts
 
07-05-14: Kana813
If cost was no object for PCM, I would buy an American made DAC with dealers like the Berkeley Alpha Reference.
Kana813 (Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Not sure if that would possess the appropriate tonality for his system based on the verbiage so far.

07-06-14: Erikminer
Cost no object ? Purpose built acoustically and aesthetically perfect room.

That is the truth. To do it right, its a lot more money than a mid-tier, upper level dac, but its worth it. Dacs come and go like the wind. Rooms do not.
joecasey
484 posts
 
07-05-14: Grannyring
I like my Romulus player more than the Lampi/Offramp combo. It is an amazing player that is so natural and full bodied in presentation. Very few know about it, but it draws me into the music more and is just more musical to me. Aphile terms don't explain it, just an ease that invites.

Remember, I don't have a computer front end anymore. If I did, then an Offramp and Dynamo power supply in front of the Romulus would be a must. The combo would be stellar I am sure. I just don't want to deal with the rigors of computer based audio at this time in my life. Downloads, ripping, back-up, computer details etc...

Right now my music collection is more enjoyable with the Romulus as a one box solution.
I'll give you 3 months and you'll be on another bus. Never seen anyone cycle through more gear ... not a negative but just an observation from a new member.
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