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
Hi audioengr, have you come to terms with a price for this diamond sx dac?, maybe you can include the word diamond into the model name, would not hurt, many other audio company's do.
Al - I believe SX will be in the $10K range. I'll think about the diamond name. Maybe Diamond SX.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Audioengr, That model name is catchy, I believe it would go over well, that would be a name most would not forget, that name can promote sales, I am glad I could recommend something that I believe would work, ask others here, I bet they would agree.
I too think Diamond SX would be good branding, reflecting a stellar audio product.
Audioengr,quick question.

Does the diamond add any type of improvement to sound quality? If not,may I ask,why add unnecessary cost to the dac when I'm sure the money could be better utilized elsewhere.Or,maybe I'm not getting the diamond thing.

Or could the diamond be of such low quality that its value is moot to the cost of the unit?