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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
 
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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Not sure where to even post this, but this seemed like a good place. Thoughts on the Lumin T1 server/DAC??? I want a server based system. Should I be waiting? That DAC doesn't have a hookup for my Sat/TV box, but it looks good. Never heard it. What other servers out there that don't cost an arm and leg, lol...I'm thinking I may want to keep my DAC and server separate as I can upgrade as new stuff comes up. Thoughts?
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
CTsooner- I'm in same boat. Lumin and a few others ( Aurender, CAD, Total DAC, Antipodes, YFS, Auralic, Meridian and more coming every day) pique my interest. I want server separate from DAC.

Some think dedicated audiophile grade server is clearly better, others say a dedicated computer is the way to go....

I'm waiting for now. I think there is a transition happening with more use of Ethernet and USB and a move away from SPDIF as server source replaces Transport. It's interesting to watch but I'm not ready to jump on the train just yet. Especially with the kind of performance and convenience I'm getting from my Mac Mini.

Is there better? No doubt! But I'll watch for a bit unless a killer deal offers itself.
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