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
The DSD-S is back in da-house.
I will update when I have an opportunity to listen.
09-13-14: Aplhifi-usa
Well, IMHO, Trinity and Lampzator can be compared as German and Polish women. :-)

Cold strict and quick, as opposed to warm slow and romantic. :-)

My opinion of course based on internal pictures.

Best,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

I presume that Bulgarian women are somewhere in the middle like your dac....?
Is the Lampi 7 substantialy better than the 6?, and what dacs are inside, what tubes are inside, does the power suppy have a tube?
I like the 7 better than the 6, but its a matter of taste. The 6 does not offer DSD.

Not sure what the PCM chip is, but the DSD is Dac-chip-less. LPF only.

Tube rectified with either twin 6x5 FW rectifiers, or lately 5u4g / 274b/GZ34 class single recti.

Output tubes can be a pair of either 45 triodes/101d/2A3s. The 2A3 requires throwing a switch. infiniute fun rolling tubes here and so easy as they are exposed on top.

There are now tube rolling threads at the Circle for people who want to indulge. Lots of hunting on the Bay and here for NOS tubes to try. Debates already over what sounds best. I got my Cunninghams in anticipation!
I like the 7 better than the 6, but its a matter of taste.
Now now now! Nobody has yet heard both, back to back, in fully optimized status.

The 6 does not offer DSD.
My B6 supports DSD but I am not willing to pay the ripoff prices of DSD downloads.