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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi all. I was including the DSD-S in my opinion about running direct. I listened to the DSD-S direct for about 20 min to completely firm up what I knew in the first 2 minutes.... I like my sound pumped through my Criterion better.

As always, my opinion, in my system. I make no speculation as to how it would sound with different gear or the same gear and different ears. I would suspect that those who like the clean, crisp, accuracy and dynamics of Meitner's gear would love running direct.

Thanks Melbguy1, for bringing up a nice option. I'm sure some readers will definitely look into the SCD-025 with your suggestion. What is the retail?
bill_k
926 posts
 
Matt - I couldn't find confirmed US pricing but the SCD-025 sells for £16,500 in the UK which converts to ~$27,700 US.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth,
Grannyring's TRL DUDE or my Coincident Statement are both well south of 10K (much less) and both would be considered premium level performers IMO. Naturally between these two personal taste decides preference. You may not choose either compared to direct source to amplifier. As Grannyring noted, some will lean toward the direct sound, just depends on what presentation you are drawn to . I'd guess that Matt's Criterion preserves musical information and involvement he finds diminished or absent with direct source alternatives.
Charles,
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,592 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth,

How much does it cost to get better sound in a stereo system. $5,000 or $50,0000?
How much does is cost to get a better sounding turntable or dac?

Answer? Well that depends on what you're willing to spend and the sound you are trying to achieve.

This is what all Aphiles must answer for themselves.
mitch2
4,167 posts
 
I find the mac mini issue interesting, particularly since Matt's source is a Core Audio Modified Mac Mini with a linear power supply and I assume other modifications/optimizations. Since switching to a Mojo optimized mini with a linear PS, outboard HDD and internal SSD the sound of my system does not seem to lack for tonal density or dynamics. I have not heard the Antipodes units that Steve is talking about but if it were a year ago I might have gone that route for the $4K their mid-level unit costs. One benefit of the mini is that you have a lot of choices about which software to use and how you implement memory play, upsampling, eq, etc.
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