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
Matt,

Tube rolling is not the beez kneez, but a useful tweak for gear. For the Big 7, you only have a few parameters to change. You can rioll the rectis, but the stock stuff ia already very performant. Then you can roll the output tubes with vintage RCA/Cunningham 45 triodes globes (circa$150 pair), PSVANE WE Replica 101d-L, or 45 triode ST shape ($100 a pair). For the 2A3 lovers they have many rolling options, but some thing they are microphonic.

The consensus is that the 274b will be the best recti and that vintage RCA globe 45s will give the best result, and that the Psvane WE replica sounds very, very decent but YMMV.

Remember this a DHT Dac, so no small tubes allowed!
09-19-14: Grannyring
Now I have to be careful and not mess with it! Also hard to do:)

I will beat Joecasey to the punch by saying I am most certain you will do just that!
Quick interrupt, but doesn't anyone use Herbies tube dampers on their 6SN7 tubes? I am pretty sure there would put be so much bickering about differences in tube types if everyone used Herbies dampers. I am using them on '52 Sylvania 6SN7GTs (Bad Boys) and '42 Tung Sol 5U4G coke bottle rectifier tube.
I'm going to try to find time this week to give the DSD-S a solid listen to be fair to Alex and give everyone a good idea of my thoughts on it.

The K-01 is done burning Tuesday for the first set of settings also. So hopefully i can report a bt in the coming week - if I evan find time. Its been SO busy...
09-20-14: Geoffkait
Quick interrupt, but doesn't anyone use Herbies tube dampers on their 6SN7 tubes? I am pretty sure there would put be so much bickering about differences in tube types if everyone used Herbies dampers. I am using them on '52 Sylvania 6SN7GTs (Bad Boys) and '42 Tung Sol 5U4G coke bottle rectifier tube.

I did in a pre-amp application and found them beneficial.....