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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
paul79
163 posts
 
Surprised you found the Pearl 3 bright... It is anything but that IME. Detailed, accurate, transparent, yes. This they are. Put bad in front of them, and you hear it.

I have never been able to assess sound at showrooms or at audio shows. It just doesn't work.

If you've found something that almost works, for a decent price, it will likely be cheaper to fix the room :) Then put any darn speaker you want in there.
agear
1,353 posts
 
Norman, Goldmund has always been cutting edge engineering. My speaker designer (Dale Pitcher) said they have been at the forefront of mechanical grounding, etc. Their only real downside is the price tag....
agear
1,353 posts
 
But price tag may not be an issue for Mattheus. He appears to be a baller and operates in the stratosphere where most of cannot breathe.....
wisnon
700 posts
 
Too rich for my blood, but what a feedback I got.

Matt will surely haul himself to Manhatten based on what I relayed to him. I am gonna try to get a local demo myself.

What did my pal say, the future is already here and most dont know it yet…wireless!
agear
1,353 posts
 
08-12-15: Wisnon

What did my pal say, the future is already here and most dont know it yet…wireless!

Agreed! My last digital front end (circa 2005) was wireless, and what a liberating experience that was. I have been waiting for speakers and everything else to catch up, and it finally looks like it has. The best wire is no wire, etc....
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