2. digital
  3. 1398132150

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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Just read my last post. Auto correct changed DCS to DAC. Sorry. Maybe that will make more sense. Maybe not. Lol.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi Matt, I have been raving about the plasmatron component for a very long time, two years I believe, you are talking about the huge gas tube conditioner?, if so, Chris there at vh-audio sales them, they come in two different sizes, the big model is the one to get, these add color realism.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,510 posts
 
I found the second smaller room with the Lampi 7, Ginkgo speakers and Dana cables to be excellent sounding. In some ways better sounding than the Vapor room. The Vapor room was hot sounding to my ears on the first and second day. The third day was much better so I assume the speakers needed burn in time. I also noticed the Raal tweeter pads were placed on the driver and that helped. I have the same tweeters and they can be hot and problematic to deal with.

The room that most impressed me was the Triode of Japan and Accoustic Zen Cresendo room. That room placed beautiful music. All with a $3200 Triode of Japan CD player. That certainly garnered my attention.
agear
1,362 posts
 
Matt, what did you think of the Volti room? The Sadurni horn system looks spectacular and I know that they paired with Merrill at another show and did well.

I too am still searching for a SOTA digital transport. I am interested to see what people have to say.....
wisnon
700 posts
 
Thanks Matt, good roundup.
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