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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
wisnon
700 posts
 
Ktema!

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?17217-FS-Franco-Serblin-Ktema&highlight=ktema

http://audioshark.org/speakers-10/franco-serblin-ktema-speakers-any-opinion-5258-page5.html#.VcXZUksbpGw
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Ktema has 2 large rear firing woofers and 2 rear firing ports.
Not for my room.... Although I'm sure they are great.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I heard the Trenner Friedl RA Box speaker driven by the Viva Aurora at CES 2010 and it left a lasting impression. Show conditions and yet it was one of the very best presentations I've heard. Utterly natural and realistic tone.dynamics and musical flow/pace. Simply very emotionally involving(real musicians playing in real space,very tactile). It made other systems(most of them more expensive) sound dry, sterile and hifi(canned) relatively speaking.

I have no idea how the TF RA would sound driven by high powered transistor amplifiers such as the Burmester 911. The Viva is an entirely different animal, but a beautiful one with those speakers. I could have stayed in that room the entire day.
Charles,
agear
1,362 posts
 
Charles, I remember reading your impressions elsewhere, and I took note. I know that Trenner has shown with SS as well. Norman heard the Isis speaker with Rowland....I believe....
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Andrew,
If the RA or Isis has that versatility with different amplifiers that's noteworthy. I'd be surprised(pleasantly) if they equal or surpass the majestic match I heard with the Viva mono blocks.
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