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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
3,282 posts
 
Matt - usually the only shows I have time for are Newport Beach and RMAF in Denver, and sometimes only one of those. NY show is really expensive so hard to justify. I would like to do Montreal some time though.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
matt, check your audiogon mail, cheers.
aplhifi-usa
38 posts
 
Paul,

Alex,
Sounds like my kind of DAC.. I'd like to compare your DAC to my Totaldac rig, but we can't all be as cool as Matt ;)

A customer of mine traded-in a TotalDac few months ago (now with a new happy owner in Germany) and I also auditioned the monos at the High-End in Munich this year. In other words, I am well aware of how it sounds, both in my system and at the Munich show system they used.

Matt,

I think I am done showing in the USA for now. The goal here is attending the High-End in Munich Germany as an exhibitor. If you ever have the chance, I am sure you will be thrilled to see it. There were many reviewers and audiophiles from the USA too who I met this year, it was fantastic!

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi
paul79
163 posts
 
Hey Alex,

Thanks for the response. What model Totaldac did you hear in your system? There is a substantial difference as you go up the line to the Monobloc DAC's, as I'm sure your well aware.

I am not presently looking for another DAC, as I really can't see how it could get allot better than what I have. But, if you want to send me a DAC to try, and prove me wrong, I'm game. I did notice in Matt's description of your DAC that there are some similarities based on my findings with the Totaldac gear here (speakers replaced with instruments was the kicker), and that peaked my interest and made me somewhat curious as to how it would perform with a more dynamically capable source.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Hi Audioengr, That montreal show would be a good one to go to, what is the interest you would like to go there out of so many shows?
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