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 2 responses by knownothing

Matt, thanks so much for your labor of love on this thread (and to others who are regular contributors!). I have been on Agon for a long time and this is the best overall equipment thread I have followed to date. I found it a couple of years ago when I was in the market for a mid level DAC (<=$5K), and while the discussion is focused on the highest end products, the principles of auditioning and the theory of how designers and users are solving problems trickles down more effectively than I have seen for capital gains;-).  

I actually ended up getting a much cheaper but well reviewed (and to me very good sounding) DAC than somd I had been considering, and then swapping the switching power supply out for an outboard LPS, largely after reading Steve Nugents and others design comments  And references to Paul Hynes designs.  Now enjoying tone, PRAT and sound stage in digital several levels ahead of anything I have experienced before.  Keep up your reviews and discussion, I will know what to look for on the used market in a few years...

The more recent discussion on servers is also really helpful.  Thanks again, kn
I like the feet, fwiw.  Great to see where you are now auditioning all this gear.  Clearly the room is adding or taking little away and letting the equipment shine.  Thanks for sharing, add significant value to the overall thread.

Question, did you do fine tuning to add or subtract various acoustic treatments to get the final sound you were looking for?  Secondly, what was your source for the various acoustic panels?