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
Hi Matt, I am not surprised about Veritas small current draw... Their efficiency is probably above 90%... Just to be on the safe side, have you tested current draw with some tracks that have large scale orchestra transients? E.g. 4th movement in Mahler's 1st symphony... Or those dreadful cannon shots in the Tchaikowsky 1812 Ouverture... Very loud but short duration transients might draw more current than otherwise seemingly loud sostenutos. G.
Guido - yup. 1812 Overture was my first thought. Cannon shots so loud I was worried my clock would fall off the wall… 2.8 amps….

Most of the time is was between 1.5 and 2.2 amps.

I just find it SO interesting!!! I wonder how much a big VTL amp or MBL amp pulls!?!?!
Regarding acoustic treatments: I consider the absorbing side panels the #1 priority. Put a mirror on the side walls if you have them and when you see the tweeters from the listening position this is where you put them. I recommend the absorbing panels with graphics from GIK acoustics:
http://www.gikacoustics.com/product/gik-artpanel-acoustic-panels/

As for bass and imaging, I recommend the 1/4 round tube-traps in a height that matches your speakers. These not only tame bass, but by acting as inner scattering devices, they improve imaging significantly by scattering the inner back-wave from the speakers. You position them inside and just behind the speakers with the round surface facing inwards.
http://www.acousticsciences.com/products/quarter-round-tube-trap

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Based on my experience I have to agree with Steve about treating 1st reflection points. I am simply amazed at the improvement in sound I am getting. I should have done this a looooong time ago!
Matt, I suspect that you've made a good decision regarding the single heavy gauge dedicated line. As a point of info regarding the 2.8 amp measurement, though, I would by no means assume that an electrician's current meter necessarily (or even probably) has sufficient bandwidth (i.e., is fast enough) to capture the narrow high amplitude current spikes that are likely to be drawn by the amplifiers at times. Especially in the case of Class D (and also Class AB) amplifiers, whose current draw fluctuates widely with the dynamics of the music.

On another note, let me add my second to the many expressions of appreciation that have been made for the time and effort you are putting into performing and writing up this effort, which is and will be of considerable benefit to many.

Best regards,
-- Al