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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
 
10-27-14: Jon2020
That's the thing about digital. There is always something new and exciting just around the corner.

And that's one reason why not to take it very seriously. Watching all these "changes" with bated breath is tomfoolery. Its a lot like getting excited about a new computer. You know it will be dusted by what comes six months later....
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
996 posts
 
Agear,
Agree. Even so, a comparative review of the latest state-of-the-art digital gear would make a good read on a lazy Sunday afternoon. :)
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Jon2020 - the Bricasti is again compared to the Overdrive SE as well as other DACs in the Dagogo review. Interesting reading when it comes out. There were a few improvements made to the Overdrive SE after the Directstream review.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
bill_k
939 posts
 
Just an FYI, there have also been several improvements made to the Bricasti M1 DAC recently, including a new DSP board as well as upgraded OCC copper wiring and fuse bypasses.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Its good to hear that I'm not the only one doing continuous improvements. Small companies are agile enough and have lower overhead, enabling this.

The unfortunate thing is that most buyers believe the best performing products come from the large companies that spend a lot on advertising and marketing teams. They definitely have the most expensive products....

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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