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
Matt,

Enjoy your vacation.

Just to let you know that yesterday I heard the Big7 along with a Chord Hugo, DirectStream and MSB Platinum stach with Galaxy 2 cock upgrade and all I can say is Holeeeee Crap!

If curiousity kills the cat, lets sayou will need the 9 lives of a cat to stand a chance at survival. That beast is one smooth operator. the box is also the same size as the big6, but the 2 big EML 45 triodes to stick out a lot and look very cool.

As a DSD lover, i was shocked how close the PCM was to DSD on the Big7.

The Lampi-man deserves to take bow for his masterpiece. Loved the MSB stack too, but it was a tad bit starker/harder, though a tad bit more detalied too. Also cost about 3.5x as much too.
Does anyone know about the Big 7 for sale now on the Gon?

What options is it missing? What's its retail?

You guys are killing me!!!

One of you needs to buy my Aeris (or find someone to buy it). That would free up the $$$ and I might consider trying the Big 7 and reporting.

He's pretty local. Maybe he would consider "renting" it to me for a month...
Aplhifi, this is all true of the BMC PureDac for $1790

Tbg, if you say so. :-)

Hopefully you can compare the BMC PureDac with the DSD-S some day soon and give your honest opinion about the audio quality difference.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
Alex, your humor is killing me!, I enjoy a great laugh now and then, thankyou, you are about the 4th person that has said the same on this thread!