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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
erikminer
433 posts
 
@agear.. I've been following that dev chat thread for a while now.. Seems that everyone that's heard the Totaldac server is in love with it and that the Moon a Mind is great too except the control point for it sucks. The Aries seems to not fair as well but I'm happy with mine.

What I'm looking forward to is the new Devialet Dialog.. $400.00 and supposedly their Spark control point is killer.. Like Sonos good. If the Dialog sounds killer then the combo could be a real game changer.
wisnon
700 posts
 
How can there be a guess from them, when I didnt meet the people till a year later and I dont even know the technical people there? The tread clearly shows a 2012 discussion.

Quit while you are ahead, you are spreading misinformation. It seems you cant see the Forest for the trees either.

No one said Devialet does not sound good…I heard it since 2012 and I do agree that Phantom is true break thru stuff, if it sounds as good as they say. The hybrid amplification is not, its just evolutionary and it does have problems driving hard to drive speakers, hence then going for more power in the 400.

Dont care what Matt or the wifey says, it does not change reality. Sorry.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Nelson Pass developed STASIS Power for Threshold from the 1990s, and licensed the tech to Nakamishi. Those vintage amps still command a good price as the tech is well proven. Class A voltage to sweeten the sound, class B or now Class D current drive. Great marriage of SQ while having efficient grunt. Clearly Class D is significantly more efficient than Class B. Evolutionary, not revolutionary.

Having patents does not necessarily mean true breakthru, it just means you do things slightly differently than what has been patened before. Many ways to skin a cat.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
"Don't care what Matt or the wifey says, it does not change reality."

What'd I say????? I can change reality?!?!? Can I turn grass into Gummy Bears???? I always wished I could do that.....
wisnon
700 posts
 
Wrong Matt.

LoL
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