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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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Audioengr, I only wished that they folk had listened to the BMC. Many of us think it is the best we've heard, but I would certainly concede that William's new server is better.
wisnon
700 posts
 
TBG, go read the DSD Dac review that Bruce Brown did for Stereomojo. He compared directly to the venerable PBD MPS5

I dont see a Sabre chip beating LPF DSD well implemented. THAT is pure bitstream DSD.

Vapor generally shows with Empirical and sometimes with Lampi.
agear
1,362 posts
 
07-20-14: Tbg
Agear, I wish you guys had listened to the BMC PureDac. At $1790 retail it is the best production dac I've heard.

Tbg, I have other friends who have lots of expensive dacs who also think highly of the BMC piece. That being said, extensive electrical grounding, mechanical grounding and power conditioning was necessary to extract its best. I think that is an another important take home point. Every dac described on this thread is fantastic I am certain. The question is how to extract the most performance from them to enjoy them for years (instead of a few months)....
agear
1,362 posts
 
07-20-14: Grannyring
I love trying new gear and playing. Call it a sickness if you want. I think it is an interest and curiosity:-)

Whatever you want to tell yourself Bill....:/
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi all.

On vacation for the week in Maine.

Really really looking forward to getting my ODSE.
Still have the Aeris. Very surprised it hasn't sold yet to be honest.

Very curious about the Romulus. Really want to hear it in my room.
Honestly, I am curious about the Lampy 7 also. But the 7 has size restrictions that make it a challenge for me (the only place I can fit it is where my turntable is).

Also, the DSD-S is on its way. No idea what to expect with that.

So I've got at least 2 more auditions coming your way....

Stay tuned. :)
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