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
07-19-14: Abruce
Wisnon
Theres one for sale over on Computeraudiophille
I've seen 3 for sale so far. That's what happens when you lose a shootout. All returning to a CD player ... computer audio is a bust! LOL!

I myself am desperate to hear the DHT based Lampi Big7. From what I am getting as feedback, this is the new DAC standard. The lucky 20 people who own one need to stop keeping this secret to themselves.

If desperate, buy a use one? "Lucky" if they don't take a bath selling them. There's also Agon listing for Big 5 and Big 6. Cycling through as if yesterday news. Next!
Yes, I saw the Bebop post about selling and now he is having 2nd thoughts...
He thought the Vol control could replace his CF pre and since its not better, he was thinking of all CF gear...but CF does not do DSD and B7 DSD is da bomb....
JoeCasey,

"losing a shootout??" Hahahah. Too funny. That is the thinking of gear of the month and it has happened to Aesthetix as well.

Big7 is NOT the same Dac as Big6. Big7 is the ONLY true DHT Dac on the market. To write it off without a listen is very foolish in my opinion...especially if you want to hear Hirez and DSD in all their glory. CDPs cant handle that.

Just to let you know, this is what 2 owners posted recenly posted:

"Yeah.. Agree with Al and Philip. I have not for a second considered giving up mine - there are so many things this DAC does amazingly right that I'd never do that! Lukasz and Fred have been exceedingly helpful the whole way. Contact them and see what they can do. The Big 7 is an insane value in the rarefied world of audio, IMHO."

"Why is up for sale? If its because of not wanting to use a preamp I think that is insane . No DAC should drive an amp straight, it's just not what the intention is. If you can make it work all the better but for me I like a dedicated pre amp. As for the sound of the B7, I feel it's above my MSB stack in both pcm and dsd . It has qualities of the MSB but surpasses it in overall sound, being you are there and analog sound. As much as love the MSB its clear to me it is beat. In fact the B7 is better than any DAC I have heard to date.
Not saying I have them all but enough to know its tops for me to stop looking. Now if lampi comes out with B7 plus well then I am in. But why is the DAC up for. Sale anyway. ??? As for service there is no other DAC maker who caters to users as lukasz does . To make custom changes for people is way beyond anyone I know of.
Al"
Many of those Big5 and Big6 for sale are just owners trading UP. There is now a backlog and commensurate waiting time for Big7s.

People say the DHT 45 output tubes lend unprecedented ease to the music. Like a Lamborghini cruising around in South Miami Beach....completely unstressed.