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

Showing 3 responses by astewart8944

Matt, if you run that third dedicated circuit, then I would be interested in knowing whether you experience a more forward presentation, brightness, or brittleness in SQ when the circuit first comes on line. I just finished having three dedicated circuits installed. When I plugged my monos into their dedicated circuits I experienced what I described in the first sentence. When I plug the monos into a power conditioner plugged into one of those dedicated circuits the SQ improves markedly. I'm now running a burn in strategy on the amp dedicated circuits which will involve driving the amps through the power conditioner for 500 hours on each dedicated circuit. (The third circuit has the DAC/PSU/Preamp running through it.) Guido may have experienced something similar in his system, based on PMs we've exchanged. Guido, if I have that wrong please correct me. 
BTW very pleased with the Antipodes DX3.  
Thanks, Guido for the clarification. My system was only out of service a few hours to move the equipment from one room to the completed audio room.