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
GUys, I speced out a MV server, however based on what Steve said, I went the less expensive route with the mac mini, 2009 and Hyenes power supply. I gets here in a few hours and I can't wait to finally hear my new/used OSDE with server. It will be a steep learning curve for me I think, but I'm hoping not. I will need a new HD to store my own CD;s in a Raid 1. Do you guys think that I should buy a dedicated ripper like we've discussed or just use the integrated super drive built in?

Steve mentioned an iremote program, but I can't find it for some reason. Steve, is bluetooth or wifi left on in the mac? I assume you are using one or the other to use the remote iPad with the Amarra. I've never used any of these programs, so that's why the steep learning curve.
Thanks all.

If I had the money, I'd go with the Antipodes DX. I like PJ who distributes them and think he reps good products and supports them. I have heard a few servers and noticed big differences in each. So far, I have liked the Baetis with Berkley or the Trinity. That said, I heard them with top of the line Naim and Rockport speakers so it's hard to make judgements, lol. I heard the NAD stuff as well as their Blue sound (or whatever it's called) on Wilson Sasha's and Ayre AX5 (not the Twenty). They were just streaming from their HD files kept in Flac I was told. I didn't like either that much. The servers we are looking at are in a different league, however the Mac mini set up is 2500 or less depending on your build out, so if it's even 80% of a 7k Antipodes, that should be considered also.

My personal view based on my research says that we are looking at the tip of the iceberg IRT servers. I think the costs have to come down and or the quality MUST get much better. Matt, I"ll call when I can to talk about this, but I think we will see servers start to give us everything we want within the next year or so and we will see a ton of new companies in this field. Many will be start up guys who are true computer folks and some will be companies like Ayre, Boulder, etc.. The need/demand is there for all levels and the integration, ease of use and SQ all are important and will be addressed. I do think keeping your music on your own separate HD will be built into all of them, however I do think most will have their own expandable hard drives with a large SSD to cache what you are actually listening to. You should be able to rip and listen at the same time and eventually ripping will be very fast I think as that's why most of us want, especially in the beginning. That's why I want to know what you folks feel is best for ripping right now as I"m at ground zero. I can use the integrated drive or get a top drive. I need to know your thoughts on type/brand etc.. of HD you'd start with. Once I figure that out, I'll just back up with a portable 2T HD both at my house and one at my wife's office so that I won't lose my music, lol. I an also just change servers when I feel like it.

Thanks
Ctsooner, the Remote program is an app for the iPad. It works with iTunes only, but is very convenient. I was able to use it with a 2009 Mac Mini but not with a 2011 replacement when the first failed. Presently I use my Mac Mini running Windows 7 and JRivers MC19, but no remote program works with it. You need to have your monitor and keyboard and keypad next to you. My dac is a prototype right now but will soon be available. But this all allows me to run everything in double DSD, which is outstanding.

All of this is changing so quickly that it is obsolete the moment you buy it.
CT - Remote can be found by searching iTunes store for apps through iTunes.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Steve, thanks, I'm going to look for it right now and going to get that DVI cable today so that I can get the server up and running. I'll call when I'm all set and in front of things.

Also need to buy a HD unit today too so that I may start to rip everything. With all the responses on HD's and burners, I'm still at a bit of a loss. This is one reason the all in one, like Antipodes makes sense if you can afford to go that route, but I'm saving money and getting great sound to boot, so I'll just sit out the new servers for a bit and see how and where the dust settles.

Off to figure out a Raid 1 HD solution and figure out if I can just use the internal drive or if I need to get an external one. Oh the questions.
I wouldn't recommend putting your music on the main internal drive, CT. (I'm running a Mac Mini with a 4TB external FireWire drive.)

First, you'll have contention on the internal drive between system functions and serving up music. How much of a problem? I don't know, but it should be considered.

The external drive makes backups very easy. I have another, similar drive, and simply clone the drives after new music additions are made. The clone goes in the fire safe.

Given that, I don't think you need RAID, although it would be handier than my solution.