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
09-10-14: Almarg
Steve, I'm surprised at your question.

What I'm talking about is the fact that depending on the quality of the design digital noise can couple between different parts of the circuitry in a component, via grounds, stray capacitances, etc. Potentially/theoretically resulting in increased jitter at the point of D/A conversion, and/or effects on analog circuitry.

Where did you get your EE degree?

BSEE Columbia University
MSEE Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

+ 33 years experience designing and managing design of analog, digital, A/D, and D/A converter circuits for defense electronics.

In any event, the bottom line on both of our posts is the same: Implementation is what matters.

Regards,
-- Al
Almarg (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)
Almarg, Very Classy reply!
"Where did you get your EE degree?
Steve N.
Empirical Audio"

Most unclassy indeed. And then he clams up after Almarg's classy reply, tormented by what his next response should be - even more unclassy.

This is why in any forum discussion like this, civilities are of paramount importance.
Jon2020,
Well said, I have high regard for Al's technical knowledge and just as much for his demeanor as demonstrated once again.
Charles,
Charles1dad,
Unless I am missing someone else, 99.999% of us in this forum would agree with you where Al is concerned.
J.