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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
 
09-09-14: Hchilcoat
Hi there Agear! I loved your description of your wife's comments. I showed them to my wife and she asked if she could have her email.

She looked over as I was typing this (she calls it Audiogon yellow) and asked:

"do all the audio dweebs come out at night"?

My 11 year-old son saw this and said "But you're not a dweeb dad". So there is still hope for me.

Howard! Good to hear from you. I will PM you Heather's email. As for your son's comment, he won't realize the truth until he leaves home for good....:/
erikminer
433 posts
 
Matt.. The first review of the new Berkley Reference Dac was just posted on Computer Audiophile.. I don't think you should read it ...
erikminer
433 posts
 
Oops sorry Matt.. Don't read the review in the new issue of TAS either!
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Erikminer, Hi, Can you post a link here to the reviews you are talking about?
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
986 posts
 
Erikminer,
Thanks for the heads up. The review at CA was extremely positive - sounds super delicious! Berkeley saw it fit to not include any usb input altogether. Looks like they subscribe to the philosophy that coaxial spdif is superior to any usb implementation out there.
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