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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
 
07-05-14: Kana813
If cost was no object for PCM, I would buy an American made DAC with dealers like the Berkeley Alpha Reference.
Kana813 (Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Not sure if that would possess the appropriate tonality for his system based on the verbiage so far.

07-06-14: Erikminer
Cost no object ? Purpose built acoustically and aesthetically perfect room.

That is the truth. To do it right, its a lot more money than a mid-tier, upper level dac, but its worth it. Dacs come and go like the wind. Rooms do not.
joecasey
365 posts
 
07-05-14: Grannyring
I like my Romulus player more than the Lampi/Offramp combo. It is an amazing player that is so natural and full bodied in presentation. Very few know about it, but it draws me into the music more and is just more musical to me. Aphile terms don't explain it, just an ease that invites.

Remember, I don't have a computer front end anymore. If I did, then an Offramp and Dynamo power supply in front of the Romulus would be a must. The combo would be stellar I am sure. I just don't want to deal with the rigors of computer based audio at this time in my life. Downloads, ripping, back-up, computer details etc...

Right now my music collection is more enjoyable with the Romulus as a one box solution.
I'll give you 3 months and you'll be on another bus. Never seen anyone cycle through more gear ... not a negative but just an observation from a new member.
abruce's avatar
abruce
233 posts
 
Charles my answer back to your statement is why fool around with CDs
Also not all Mac Minis are created equal, there's a lot of software manipulation, upgrading, not to mention software players, different rippers,data formats, power supply upgrades, running on battery etc etc
I would love to hear an ODSE in my system against my USB only Lampi Big 5
I really enjoy this thread, as good as anything I've seen on this site in a long time
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Thanks Joecasey.

I get to hear lots of gear as I sell gear for Aphile friends and modify gear to learn and later sell.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Joecasey, one piece that will never leave is the Dude preamp! I have owned 3 of Paul's Dudes over the past 8 years or so. Each with various upgrades etc...
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