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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
As for servers, I have used the Antipodes several times and it will trounce most computers, particularly playing FLAC or ALAC files. It is the only server I know of that goes the full 9 yards on hardware and software. It is still a computer, but uses Linux and lots of minimized custom and optimized code. It is compatible with the Overdrive.

That said, I think the ultimate solution is not a computer and USB, but the Ethernet DAC, so the computer driving the music over the LAN does not matter anymore. This is why I'm designing the Ethernet interface.

Steve N.
agear
1,362 posts
 
Hifial, I own the Totaldac USB cable and it is very good. I would be curious to hear the dac as well. Vincent Brient seems to be a very earnest and sincere engineer who does not wander into hyperbole or defamation to promote his products. The only issue is the crappy exchange rate....
hk_fan
554 posts
 
I'm also pretty shocked/disappointed that the Berkeley doesn't include a USB input.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Yeah, you're a legend in your own lunchbox Audiolabyrinth. Real cool.
paul79
174 posts
 
Want something that will beat any computer, hands down IMO, either the Totaldac or the Antipodes DX.
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