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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
 
I just read a blurb about the Technics development on a Sonos forum. My first amplifier I got as a 11 yr old was a technics integrated. Fond memories....
agear
1,362 posts
 
Ctsooner, Ayre is a great company. I know they incorporated that new Thermaltrak transistor like Macintosh and that apparently accounts for a lot of their sonic merits. Is that used in your integrated?
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Matt, very, very good electrical job you done there, congrats are in full order!, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and to everyone on this thread.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
The Romulus Sig, Allnic and Berkeley DACs are all on my list to eventually try. The usb/SPDIF conversion being the biggest hurtle to overcome.

Is the consensus among those that know the Romulus and Allnic that the internal usb input is top tier and lets the unit perform its best?
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I'll ask Johnny about the Rom sig when I speak with him this week. As for the Ayre, I'm not sure if my integrated has that. I have the 7 not the 5...The 5 has the diamond stage. They are now making their top amps with double diamond stages...their USB only DAC (now with DSD) is as good as any of the DAC's I've heard. For many of us, we can't afford the awesome DAC's you are listening to here in this thread. I'm still waiting on the right music server I think.
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