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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
agear
1,353 posts
 
For the record, when we make recommendations to Matt as regards to speakers, we all need to remember his natural habitat and vernacular. When he says "bass," what he really means is something that will rattle the side panels of his El Calmino while cruising down the turnpike juiced up on malt liquor....
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
Agear - for your information i don't have an El Camino. I have a Camaro! Lol.

Actually, I have a Porsche and a Jeep.

But I will admit I had a Mustang GT in high school with four 10" subwoofers. Oh yeah baby! I worked in a car stereo store back them and did a killer install. It's always been in my blood.
erikminer
433 posts
 
Matt .. You should listen to the JBL Everest DD67000.. I think it's exactly what you're looking for
wisnon
700 posts
 
OK Matt,

I am just putting them out there for you. It seems the Rowen speakers would work well for you, but unfortunately they ONLY sell in Switzerland. They are built to be placed anywhere in real homes and bass response is tamed as the Swiss mostly build with concrete and the owner HATES bass reflex design.

If I think of other suggestions, i will let you know.

Gear, i sent a HUGE file with like 6 pictures...Mmmh, i will check and try again. i found 3 with the ISIS room. i will also see if 6Moons took any...
wisnon
700 posts
 
Matt, 2 more names for you...

Backes & Muller (german)
and Ypsilon Phaeton (greek and superb sounding).

Ypsilon here: http://www.6moons.com/industryfeatures/highendsuisse2014/1.html

and the money shot on the ISIS room in Zurich here:
http://www.6moons.com/industryfeatures/highendsuisse2014/2.html

Unkind writeup from Srajan here (about the looks):
Playing to the dichotomy of fugly but great sound, Audio Sphere's Enzo Nolli, Swiss importer for Jeff Rowland, had set up a vinyl-fronted rig ending in Trenner & Friedl's Isis. Except for lacking handles and hinges to open in the front, those struck Ivette and I as two fat refrigerators which the Austrian makers clearly expect will set up shop in domestic living rooms. Oy. Whilst dimensioned according to golden ratio proportions from multiplex Birch Ply, these 120 x 50 x 35cm 3-way sarcophagi with horn-loaded compression tweeter would never be allowed in our digs. Which actually is too bad. This room made our second-favorite sound. To produce this type of sock'em slam and density absolutely requires a big woofer. At 15 inches per side, the Isis complied. "Raise the Pharaoh" in a nod to The Mummy would be a suitable alternate to the old "Rock the Casbah" motto.
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