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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
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
I heard them in a completely untreated 17x20 room with 8' ceilings. And they sounded fan-dam-tastic!

They are a modified bottom port/isobaric design and are very very room friendly. 17" wide and 25" deep. I think they will be ok. Not as petite at the Tenors. I'll let you know since I arranged a trade for my MM3's plus some cash for a pristine pair. I'm hoping they will be here within 2 weeks.

Then I can A/B them directly with the T&F Isis and the PMC MB2. I have to say that if they sound as good as they did when I last heard them, I may make the official decision to not even try the Isis or BM2. We shall see.

But this could be the one.
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
I forgot to mention that the 6 drivers integrated better then anything I have ever heard. From ultra bottom to uber top they were seamless. Truly seamless. It sounded like a single driver speaker. And no, that strange upside down driver configuration does not drag the image down. It's right where it's supposed to be and sounds incredible....
agear
1,353 posts
 
That sounds good Matt. I love their drivers, and a lot of peeps seem to like that bad boy speaker. I think your journey may be done (other than hearing the Isis). In an ideal world, it would be fun to own both! The Trenner stuff is designed for normal living spaces.

I used to be a fan of the show "Pimp My Ride," and if you are familiar with it, the rapper Xzibit would always make the proclamation "you have officially been pimped" after they finished with their car:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUPQ1t-0o8o

I think that is you finally. You have been pimped....
jwm
908 posts
 
Don't waste your time on the Goldman's very a musical.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Guys, the Wireless are completely different to separates.
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