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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
 
09-11-14: Mattnshilp
Agear, I resent that.... My double caramel macchiato is never skinny!

Truth be told, it's a Grande Vanilla Latte with 3 equals. :P

Ha! Now that's a beverage. For the record, your Cayman/Boxter is a better engineered vehicle. The 911 has a big butt that is easy to spin out. It is just a sentimental thing for me....like a tubed dac....
agear
1,362 posts
 
09-12-14: Joecasey

Agear doing what Agear does best. Audio Benghazi. Unfortunately we're not sure what his particular cause is....: until after the election. Impeach and trial him for MURDER!

my assessment of your character remains unchanged....
agear
1,362 posts
 
A good acid test for any piece of digital gear is piano. It is the hardest instrument to replicate. The Lampizator 7 is the best I have heard to date. Another L7 owner has a child who is an accomplished pianist, and he has the same impression through both headphones (of which he has many) and big boy audiophile grade speakers. Jafox said something similar regarding his L6. So, it is all about implementation and system building. The dac has no sound of its own.

Matt, I gave you a little guff about the car choice, but the new piano purchase for your bambino thrilled me. I cannot wait to do the same. Instead of comparing dacs to one another, hold them up to that candle one by one....
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
988 posts
 
Alex ->
It is all, or nothing at all.
+1. J.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Alex,

The Big7 with Cunningham 345s is very fast!

Tube Dacs are infinitely tunable. ;-)
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