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
@Kana813.. More acoustic are planned.. but it is the living room and I need to be somewhat conscious the aesthetics..
Hi Abruce,
I believe that whatever system configuration makes you happiest is the way to go. I could relate entirely to Grannyring's experience, if you don't that's perfectly okay. We're all just doing our individual thing, that's all. If you're pleased with your Mac Mini then there's no logical reason to change what you have.
Charles,
07-07-14: Erikminer
@Kana813.. More acoustic are planned.. but it is the living room and I need to be somewhat conscious the aesthetics..

You mean conscious of the wife and her potential homicidal rage...:/
Grannyring, that's great you're still finding improvements.

We all get bored with our system and need a change sometimes. I use tube rolling and switching between SS and tube components. It's much easier than buying new gear. :-)
Hello all...I've been following this rather long thread too. As a long-time chaser of the audio grail I find myself, like so many of us, getting closer and closer but never "done". My 2 cents about ultimate 16/44 dacs is my Lampizator Big 6...it just does that so wonderfully well...With Duelunds and some good NOS's it's as natural [to me and my visiting guests] as I've ever imagined reproduced music can get...Full disclosure is I'm moving to a 7 because I'd like to visit DSD at some point, I guess?/ and I can never get enough of this stuff...plus my good buddy has a hoard of those DHT tubes that I'll go crazy with swapping out for months & years? to come. Also, FWIW: my local buddy has the Coincident CSL pre and really likes it in his system (it sound's really really good), and I have my TRL Dude w/ Duelunds and NOS tubes (feeding TRL amps) which I love love love so...Charles1dad summed it up nicely in his last paragraph about system synergy and personal tastes...But I think we all kinda new that already. Happy Lissn'n