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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
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Matt, yeah VA have many more Dealers in Europe, but only 3 Dealers currently in the US. Here is a link to US Dealers fyi -http://www.vitusaudio.com/en/80211-North-America
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mel,
I have to agree with your assessment of certain DACs, "zero groove" describes it well. Some have the appeal of a precise laboratory instrument,analytical,clinical and cold. Just lacking in music's joy and emotional connection/involvement.
Based on your impression it's good Vitus avoided this "soulless" presentation.
Charles,
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Charles, cheers. I tend to gravitate towards less analytical, more musical cd player/dacs. On reflection, all of my previous cd players have fallen into the latter category including my JVC XL-Z1050, Ayon CD-5, modded/re-tubed Ayon CD-5s & current Aesthetix Romulus. My litmus test as to whether I like the sound of a dac or cd player is whether I feel connected to the music, the sound is smooth and unfatiguing & it brings a smile to my face.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi winson, I agree with what you have said, however, keeping up with this thread for as long as I have, I do find that I have alot of the same tast for sound as matt does, cheers.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mel,a good friend of mine has the Aesthetix Romulus Signature and I've listened to it often(it replaced his good sounding Modwright Oppo 105 and then his Lampizator DAC, very good).The Romulus is truly a natural sounding and passionate music reproducer.
Charles,
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