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
I'd have got the PDK also.. if I was a player like you :-) And FYI the new Michelin Pilot Sport AS/3 all seasons are almost as good as most other brands pure summer only tires, of course a rear drive Porsche still sucks in the snow even with dedicated winter tires..
Erikminer :

If I was Matt considering that at the beginning of this very long journey the original goal was: "Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD"
I'd "really" want to get a listen to the Berkley.. but that's just me.

+1
Manual transmission is past history. Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren all don't even offer anything but paddle shifters. Even Porsche only offers PDK on the new 911 turbo. The human factor is the limiter to much faster 0-60 times. I had a 2007 911 turbo for years and it was manual. It was great but I never got close to the full performance out of it; it needed PDK. The cars speed and tech has superseded my ability to shift quickly enough. And I honestly like paddle shifting; it's like clutchless shifting, but I am still completely in control of when I shift, and what gears I shift into to. But then, in traffic, you can just pop it back into automatic and drive free and easy.

Yes the Berkeley is intriguing. I'm still trying to get a Romulus in as well. The list continues.
Manual transmission is past history. Ferrari, Lambo, McLaren all don't even offer anything but paddle shifters. Even Porsche only offers PDK on the new 911 turbo. The human factor is the limiter to much faster 0-60 times. I had a 2007 911 turbo for years and it was manual. It was great but I never got close to the full performance out of it; it needed PDK. The cars speed and tech has superseded my ability to shift quickly enough. And I honestly like paddle shifting; it's like clutchless shifting, but I am still completely in control of when I shift, and what gears I shift into to. But then, in traffic, you can just pop it back into automatic and drive free and easy.
There's no question with technology, you get higher performance with PDK vs manual. Even F1 cars are PDK now.

We all drive sport cars for a reason. I enjoy the art/involvement of driving. Later Porsches are definitely superior and easier to drive fast but sometimes I enjoy the rawness of older models. Looking for add a 993, last of air cool and a nice bridge between old and modern. Price has skyrocketed so tough to find a decent deal.
+ 1 about Almarg, many times have I seen this gentleman prove what he has said, and has been an asset to me and many others, Al's education with electronics is evident, I knew he had a back ground in electronics, I never asked him what his back ground was, His answers have always been technical, and when I research what he has said in the past when he has helped me, it turns out to be correct, congrats Almarg on such a profound education, and work history!, you sire have my respect!