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
You guys dont even allow for equipment break-in time before you mob Matt for updates.

Let the wine breathe...he just opened the bottle!
Thanks Wisnon.

The DX has been on since Sunday and is warmed up and, I believe, ready to audition and compare. I'm hoping to get that done today.

The Isis have stabilized and have sounded consistent for the past 36 hours with no discernible change. My neighbor came over yesterday, I left him alone for 90 minutes in my room, and then came out and told me to order a pair for him on the spot. I have swapped out my Burmester amps for my Merrill Veritas monoblocks with the Isis as I find their absolutely neutral presentation, unlimited dynamics and lightning fast speed to better suit the warmer aura the Isis provides.

Hopefully the dealer will be over today to retube the D5000 Allnic DAC so I can start playing with that as well.

I will try to get you solid, honest impressions ASAP. I have a lot of gear in and more is coming. I'm trying to make a game plan and some decisions as quickly as my time permits.
Matt,
What amplifier does your neighbor plan to use with the Isis?
Was he impressed with the Dynaudios?
Charles,
He's buying the Veritas off me. He a LOVED the combo.

I didn't play him the Dynaudio. He was juiced for the T&F and had no interest in hearing anything else. They pushed his buttons and he was done.
I suspect that if T&F enjoy high synergy with the lovely Veritas, they would sound absolutely amazing with my Rowland M925 monos. Like Veritas, M925 use NCore NC1200 technology in the output stage. M925 overall design pushes the performance of NCore into uber regions.

Yes, I have direct experience with both these marvellous amps. Both do incredible things for their respective price points.

If anyone is attending RMAF, Rowland M925 will be featured in the Nordost suite. The entire system will be likely cabled with the recently released Nordost Odin II wires.

Guido