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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
 
Matt - have not heard the Trinity or even heard of it.

I have had the ODSX for many months now and I'm convinced that nothing out there beats it at any price. I'm in the process of trying Jupiter caps in place of Duelund. Duelunds take a long time to break in.

The production version of ODSX is coming along. Panels and knobs are in finishing process now.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Steve- did you implement the XMOS into the ODSX ?

Panels and knobs? I thought you were using the same enclosure and form factor as the ODSE...

What was your solution regarding Ethernet vs usb input?
jwm
918 posts
 
I sure would not spend past the 20K mark for a dac. As in one year there will be a new one at half the price and better. If you want to sell your old two year dac you will take a bath. Could you imagine spending 120k on the DCS stack and find something else better at 40k. Sorry with digital I'm not going the high expensive route.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Steve.
Burn in time doesn't bother me. I want the best sound possible. Please don't compromise on caps for burn in time. Use the best parts possible.
agear
1,362 posts
 
12-14-14: Jwm
I sure would not spend past the 20K mark for a dac. As in one year there will be a new one at half the price and better. If you want to sell your old two year dac you will take a bath. Could you imagine spending 120k on the DCS stack and find something else better at 40k. Sorry with digital I'm not going the high expensive route.

+1. Much like computers, the rate of change is high and thus large expenditures are plain foolish although guys playing that game have more money than they know what to do with. Furthermore, if Matt did a proper blinded shootout with multiple listeners and with some cheapo dacs in the rotation, the results would be surprising. Most people are scared to do that. If your go to dac is a $200 NOS chinese dac, other philes won't burn incense at your alter....
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