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
Don't worry Wisnon, I gotcha.

I'm going to try to find time to get into the city in the next few weeks to hear them. I'll call Bob when I can figure out a window to go. Bob is close enough that they are certainly worth a listen. I will admit openly that I'm not ready just yet to jump off the separates roller coaster. So they would have to totally blow me away for any real consideration.

Also, I have not been able to figure out if the Prologos is rear or bottom ported.....
Matt,

PL is BOTTOM ported. 6moons review sept 2014 has pictures. That was the Mk1. Mk2 is like 4 months old.
Stay away from the plus.

Gear,
The magic is NOT the wireless per se. The PL wireless is by definition active with DSP and DRC capabilities with wireless receiver built in. Awards? What about best in show at Newport by AVS showrooms. Go see their video with BobV at their site and KNOW that its the PL tower, MUCH inferior to the real PL which has the mech grounding frame. BTW, my EP pal has the upgraded Beyma drivers and used Clayton Shaw Spatial DRC setup (in person setup) with Orpheus Titan Pro Dac/X-over, etc. He previously used Shindo/Einstein mono blocs, Acapella violins, Modded alters and a host of other quality gear over decades.

He is an expert TT setup guy and has R2R sources too.

TBG, don't confuse Goldmund traditional separates with these all-in-one DSP/DRC monsters. Ultra wide band amps built in with digital X-over, so no line loss. Drivers DSPed to perfection BY DESIGN, by the Proteus software to have perfect control by the amps. Alize 7 Dac integrated in and all with robust wireless protocol.

My pal heard the passive version, then the active version with digital wire and then wireless. He has NOT yet implemented Proteus DRC.

All the comments based on the old stuff is NOT valid for what I am saying, even my pal said the same. Its the tight integration with breakthru software thatseems to have taken things to another level. As he said, the future is HERE...this is why I as Matt for his opinion, since Manhatten is not too difficult for him.
Josh,

The new wireless tuff is a complete system, just add computer or hub.

Way better than the sum of the parts, which already are very high quality.

I heard the Anatta wireless myself playing RBCD and its the best demo I ever heard.

I am hearing similar gasps about the Kii 3 too at much lower price point... 10K euros, due out in November. N-core amps, DSP up the wazoo, freq response down to 19hz, LIVE sounding! German mag going gaga.

DSP is the future, and the future is now! Just a lot less fun to tinker with. LoL
I'm interested to see if Matt's listening impressions matches Wisnon's enthusiasm for the wireless Goldmund sound quality.
Winson, again, the Audiofederation blurb is about the wireless speaker. The angels were not singing....:) I think the AV guy was in the minority at Newport. Furthermore, a lot of press guys will burn incense at the Goldmund alter for obvious reasons (Srajan for example). I think of lot of this is marketing driven and not pure engineering (which is fine...they are a business). A lot of rich guys like the concept of a lifestyle speaker. There are a lot of rich bank fat cats here in Charlotte who would love them! They would not tolerate noisy DHTs and tube rolling. Maybe when I have my psychotic breakdown and finally get burned out on audio, I will transition over and enjoy elevator music in my living room.

Norman, when are you converting? Is your Lampizator for sale?...:)