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
Actually, Erik, both. My room is too hot as well. I had to buy a super quiet fan that I kick on when I'm between songs. It's actually a bit on an issue.

But I meant sonically. Everyone I have spoken with (including 4 acousticians and people who make a living doing dedicated rooms) says that the carpet was an obvious mistake. It's absorbing the magic between 3k and 7k and leaving the room sounding warm because it's taking the highs that balance things out. It makes sense. I need a solid floor and a small area rug.

Regarding the treatments, I have pulled every absorber out of the room except the corner base traps. It helped. But I need the corner traps as the room has nodal issues that the traps help a lot.
Matt

Go down to John at Audio Connection in Verona NJ and listen to his Vandy Sevens and then deciide if they are to much for your room. His room is about that same size and they sound great there. It will be the best decison you every made to make the trip and buy the Sevens you won't be dissapointed.
And it looks ike I'm heading down to Audio connection tomorrow. Would love to meet any of you who are in the area.
Can anyone provide a list of speakers with the following characteristics:

1st order crossover
Time and phase aligned
Either sealed enclosure or front or bottom ported. Not rear ported.
Shorter then about 55", not more then about 20" deep.
Reference or statement product

I have a mental list. But I'm curious to see if I'm missing any.

I'm not necessarily using this as a be-all end-all requirement but it's a category to look at......
Only a couple come to mind that are true time and phase aligned. Matt, I am searching the net to see a good list. I came across this posting about this subject. Not sure if it means anything other than how a speaker will sound off axis. Personally I have my position and don't really listen off axis, lol...I'm sure that's just me though.

"As for the companies you mention -- Magico, Vivid Audio, and Rockport Technologies -- none makes speakers that are time- and phase-accurate, even if the sloped front baffles of the Vivid and Rockport models look as if they might be. In all cases, they use higher-order crossovers to greatly reduce driver overlap, which have more phase shift " I like the Rockports I've heard. I"m just not a Magico guy (sorry). Heard Vivid once, but not enough to really say one way or the other. I know I don't like the older Thiel's and have no idea what they are making now days with the new company.

Looks like a company has to make their own speakers to get this right due to the overlap of frequencies. Off the shelf or even modified won't work based on some articles I've been reading up on. I"m sure someone here will have other ideas. This has become my favorite go to thread for learning and some of you have changed my mind greatly.

On another note, I have heard the whole Vandy line yesterday and the Wilson, Dynaudio gear (upper end stuff) the day before. All on Ayre Reference 20's. Those amps are possibly the best I've ever heard and yes I've heard many of the esoteric lines out there. I can't do Wilson's still. No emotion for me or layering. Very accurate though. I liked the Dynaudio a bit. Something was missing for me though and I can't even tell you what.

Back to Matt's question, but wanted to share.