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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
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
That will be an interesting piece. I think that streaming is the wave of the future personally. I think that we will all have nice streaming devices in hi rez and a great DAC.

Guys, I've tried to find the firewire Maxtor server grade hard drives, but can't figure out which one to get. I understand that Seagate now owns them, but there are multiple types on their site. Which one is server grade? Also, aren't they the ones with a great disc drive? Can't see that one either. I am ready today to get the disk drive (Steve said it has to have the sampling deal from the internet built into it) and the hard drive to start ripping my CD's...thanks all.
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Ctsooner, Try Newegg... Look for drives that are said to be "Enterprise".... Be aware that Enterprise-grade drives are often quite a bit thicker than standard drives... E.g. 15 mm for Seagate 2.5 inch internal HDDs.

G.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Ok, do I look for an all in one desktop or just the internal disk and then buy a holder (whatever you call it). I guess I'll look for the same for the external drive.
mattnshilp OP
894 posts
 
Any other North Easterners loving this relentless snow as little as I am!?!?

And, believe it or not, I'm still not up and running.

My fuses finally came in but I haven't had time to install them. And the final piece of the puzzle is arriving tomorrow, snow willing. My new XLR 8.5 meter Shunyata ZiTron Anaconda S interconnects are due to arrive tomorrow. I'll pop the fuses in when I hook up the cables and music will finally flow.

I also have to install the last of the acoustic treatments. The room should be nice and flat while not being dead. I used a gentle combination of absorption with ample diffusion to open the room up but absorb excess base.

I'll report here and on my virtual system.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Matt, sounds awesome. I'm sick of the snow. Just a pain, lol. I'll call you later if I have some time as I've upgraded a ton and I think I'm about to do it again. lol....it's YOUR fault Matt ;)
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