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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
 
Agear, I resent that.... My double caramel macchiato is never skinny!

Truth be told, it's a Grande Vanilla Latte with 3 equals. :P
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
986 posts
 
"......considering that at the beginning of this very long journey the original goal was: "Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD....."

In the eyes of the audio world and the professional reviewers, the list of ABSOLUTE TOP TIER DAC for Redbook CD would most likely include the following(not in order of merit) :-
1. dCS Vivaldi stack
2. Berkeley Reference
3. Esoteric Grandioso

Anything lesser would be considered second tier. JMHO.
The audiophile community looks forward to a shoot-out amongst these 3 sources, most likely by an unbiased dealer who carries all these brands.
Cheers!
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
1. dCS Vivaldi stack
2. Berkeley Reference
3. Esoteric Grandioso

Don't look at me!

I'd rather buy a McLaren 650S Spider for that kind of money! Or put a deposit down on a new office building for my practice!

Hell, for that kind of money I could actually AFFORD a divorce!!!!

Lol.
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
986 posts
 
If the Berkeley Ref at $16,000 comes anywhere close to the sonic quality of the Vivaldi or Grandioso, and it seems to have the potential to do so, going by the reviews so far by CA and TAS, then it would indeed be a very "affordable" top tier DAC.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Don't sweat it, Matt. My room at RMAF last year had dCS Vivaldis in adjacent rooms on both sides. I listened to these. Although they are very good, I preferred the DAC in my room, the ODSE.

I would welcome a shootout with these DACs but I would rather wait untl the ODSX is available. I think it will be unchallenged in the market. Also more expensive than the ODSE. Both will be offered, since they are at diffent pricepoints.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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