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. One plane did clear US Airspace late on 9-12.
Headed for Saudi with all members of the large Bin Laden
that were in USA.
Mattshilp, I feel your pain ,agree totally !
But two wrongs never made a right and some European lands do better than we.
Gotta just keep on keeeping on.
Matt - that is probably true, but there are fewer cars per capita and they don't sit in them idling.

Steve N.
audioengr, how is the diamond coming along?, do you have a proposed target for this to be available on the market yet?
The ODSX diamond is in production. I am building 2 orders now. Some will be built with the Ethernet interface. I am ironing out the last issue with the XMOS interface. I have one built for a customer and testing with the older USB interface right now. Lead-time is around 75 days.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio