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
Still Point Apertures.
I was lent them by Merrill.

My room is shared with my wife so I can't do anything permanent or wall hanging.

I can put the Apertures on wood stands and set them up when I'm listening. But I haven't had time to do it yet since I need to build the stands.

I SO wish I had a dedicated room!!!!

Tboooe - keep us all posted. I think room treatment is the missing like in many of our rooms, mine probably worst of all! Sigh.

We do what we can in search of the elusive musical magic moments.
I doubt you can do better and anything near its price than the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC. Mine is just burning in and it is, in a word, breathtaking. This from a listener who started on digital with the Magnavox CDB 650, first 16 bit player, back in 1986. Just one man's opinion, but there are few components I have found so impressive.

Neal
Neal, Matt already tried the DS DAC and eliminated it from the competition. Come on man, keep up with the thread! ;~) Seriously though performance is very dependent upon system matching and personal preferences, and I know you're not alone in liking the DS DAC!
The DS was very good, but not close in my system compared to the other kits I was trying. As Bill_K noted, results will vary dramatically based on a million variables. Many find the DS to be their final stop on the way to DAC heaven; and I am happy for them. For me, it was just a pit stop.

I am working today on the DSD-S. I am developing initial impressions and will report them when I have formulated some thoughts. I'm not close to done listening yet.