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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
lissnr
365 posts
 
Hello all...I've been following this rather long thread too. As a long-time chaser of the audio grail I find myself, like so many of us, getting closer and closer but never "done". My 2 cents about ultimate 16/44 dacs is my Lampizator Big 6...it just does that so wonderfully well...With Duelunds and some good NOS's it's as natural [to me and my visiting guests] as I've ever imagined reproduced music can get...Full disclosure is I'm moving to a 7 because I'd like to visit DSD at some point, I guess?/ and I can never get enough of this stuff...plus my good buddy has a hoard of those DHT tubes that I'll go crazy with swapping out for months & years? to come. Also, FWIW: my local buddy has the Coincident CSL pre and really likes it in his system (it sound's really really good), and I have my TRL Dude w/ Duelunds and NOS tubes (feeding TRL amps) which I love love love so...Charles1dad summed it up nicely in his last paragraph about system synergy and personal tastes...But I think we all kinda new that already. Happy Lissn'n
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Lissnr, while I'm not really excited by the Lampizator or for that matter tubes in audio, I have always been at a loss to understand why anyone would argue why X is better than Y verbally. This thread is a perfect useless endeavor by a very sincere guy. He has a great opportunity, if he can make a conclusion after comparing multiple dacs.

I don't agree that system synergy is a substantial problem. I have found some instances where some products are better with some systems, but it is just a matter of degree.

I think the best threads are those where people are already decided and share how a product works best for them, such as that for the Lampizator.
lissnr
365 posts
 
Hello Tbg, Yes, in an ideal world personal auditioning in one's own system trumps all forms of verbal recommendations of course, but I think what keeps a lot of these threads alive is people being able to add their personal listening experience descriptors to a "What do you think about X" inquiry. Using terminology such as the 1980's vintage CJ amplifier is "a little fat/tubby in the bass with added ripeness in the mids" or that some brand of SS amp has a very "quick or incisive attack" or "razor sharp imaging" (pardon the old-school generalities) can be helpful in pointing people towards or away with particular makes/models. The fact that people here all listen...is far different than explaining to a blind-from-birth person why you prefer the color blue to red...
System synergy complicates things more, of course, but the sheer number of variables intrinsic to this hobby already add tremendous complications...as well as bring about "options" in personal taste...
Again, I think most of us are probably in agreement about the limitations of "Discussing Listening...".
Nevertheless these posts thrive under the common thread of our musical tastes and associated systems and equipment. Just 2 cents.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Tbg - your post makes no sense to me on so many levels.
Most importantly is why you are even here if you think this thread is worthless. I have no problem with you thinking that at all, but why did you read it then???

And for you to dismiss the Lampy so cavalierly, or tubes in general, boggles my mind. I have the luxury of having heard the Lampy, recognizing its incredible strengths and it's few weaknesses.

I can't imagine that my comparisons haven't helped at least one person to get the audible flavor of some of the gear I have auditioned. If it doesn't help you I'm fine with that. But I'm sincerely hoping I have either helped, or at least stimulated, some of the other readers.

We are at 33 thousand views. So I'm thinking someone is enjoying reading this.... I may check this thread frequently, but I can't take credit for all 33 thousand views. Lol.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Mattnshilp, I am curious about what you will conclude. You needed to understand that i've been in this hobby for 50 years. I'm not the least critical about your initial interest and thoroughness. I didn't dismiss the Lampizator for others, but it is just not my cup of tea.

I certainly have been interested in some components based on a written comment here and elsewhere, but it seldom, if ever, is a shoot out. It usually is based on enthusiasm and my finding more who are enthusiastic also.

The Lampizator is certainly an example. I even spent much time listening to it at CES. It is characteristic of tube units, which have been the vast majority of components I've owned. I've been involved in some fairly amateur recording sessions and have discovered that with current vibration and electrical isolation, many solidstate components sound less musical and more real like what I heard in the studio or theater.

Finally, I have participated in several double blind ratings of components including several 30 second exposures where you were to state whether it was the same or different. After these, I often got two or three to compare as you are.

I guess you might call me jaded, but I have a handful of friends whose opinions I trust.

Finally, I suspect there will be no conscience on which is best.
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