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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
agear
1,362 posts
 
08-10-14: Mcondon
Reading this thread has been very interesting, but I do wonder whether a Mac Mini, even if upgraded for audio, is an optimal digital source. Also, I have found that there is often an interaction between source and DAC that can makes the combo either much better or much worse than the sum of the parts.

and

So, this thread may be quite useful for Mac Mini users, but may not be universally applicable. Of course, Matt has made it clear that his views are one man's opinion. But I guess I would be hesitant to conclude that the ODSE is the best DAC...it may just sound best with Matt's particular source.

Bingo....
agear
1,362 posts
 
08-10-14: Radiohead99
Great thread and some great dacs. But I can't help wondering that the using mac mini is the bottleneck and not doing remotely any justice to these top of the line dacs.

It absolutely is and one reason why the ODSE has a distinct advantage with its built-in Offramp.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
08-06-14: Rsf507
His search will NEVER end! Seems Matt is more interested in equipment than muzic.
This is precisely the reason I don't chase DACs. Until the technology matures, I will only upgrade when necessary.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
08-10-14: Mattnshilp
The Vitus looks amazing and I'm sure it sounds it as well. Congrats. Feel free to post some thoughts on its sound here as well.
Thanks for your comments Matt. The SCD-025 takes the sound of cd's to a place heretofore unknown in the digital domain. Especially in concert with the SIA-025 i've heard this combo sound haunting. At that point i'll probably post a system thread, but will leave an in-depth review until the 250hr mark.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Charles1dad, How much money do I need to spend on an active pre-amp, $10,000.00 plus for a additional sound to deal with that degrades the signal by going through more circuit boards and cables?, I have found that cost alot, much, much, more money to get an active pre-amp to be sublime in sound, LOL!, ask matt how much money the criterion cost?, I know a state of the art active can do wonders, Re- morgage the house!
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