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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
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Thankyou Guidocorona for the Roland pricing, that was some great info on the differences of the Roland pre-amps as well.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
sorry matt for getting a little off topic here, forgive me.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth,
I am curious to read Matt's impression of these fine DACs via the Criterion. What actually changes sonically with its insertion?
Charles,
joecasey
484 posts
 
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.
IMO, too many options is the reason why so many tech challenged is having trouble with computer audio and reason Steve recommended Antipodes.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Guido - its very simple. The D/A chip I use allows selection of three digital filters, one tuned for 44.1, one tuned for 96 and one tuned for 192. You can manually select these. The de-emphasis is standard on most DAC's but like the other filters, its automatically selected. On the Overdrive, you can manually select this filter as well. I have found it to be useful on a few older tracks, such as some Led Zeppelin and some Jimi Hendricks. If it sounds harsh and bright, sometimes it is because it has pre-emphasis.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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