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
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
APlhifi-usa, Hi Alex, thankyou for the post to me, this is exciting news, I got rid of pre-amps many, many years ago!, I run direct to amplifiers now with my digital, interesting technology about your volume control, I have seen over the last couple of years the digital sources running direct to amps, and pre-amps close the gap of performance because technology with volume controls have got alot better, I do not have a record collection, although I love the sound of analog, I do not have other sources, I will be building a second system for multiple sources at a latter time, I have cables for the second system now, currently, I am still building my main system, the digital I have now is quite engageing for what it is, it is temporary, this cd-player will go on second system, I love the sound of it, however, I want a world class digital componet to run direct to my amp to keep the signal intact and as pure as I can get, The ODSE and your APL DSD-S fits the bill for running direct, that is my sole purpose of keeping up with this thread, so Alex, what transport do you recommend for your DSD-S dac?, thankyou.
matt, you are doing a fine job!, this has been a wonderfull thread to me, a great learning exsperience as well, alot of the brands you have brought to the table were unheard of to me, I'm an ex musician, so do not take this the wrong way, This thread is cool!, Bravo and cheers to matt!, Thankyou for taking YOUR time out of your life to do this thread, you, by no means did not have to share this journey, I will never forget this thread!
Matt, your wife is a problem.....you need to work on that with the same energy and focus as your dac quest.....