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 4 responses by maplegrovemusic

to add to the $30 dac post . Now that you bring up how your $30 dac makes all recordings sound good reminds me of a Apoggee dac i had that was also a studio recorder as well as volume control . That thing played all music i threw at it with equal frequencies being delivered . Makes me think audiophile dacs are merely additional tone controls . Juice the frequencies that make "hifi" music and recordings sound a smidge tilted for the wow factor ?
@shadorne   First , I have enjoyed your knowledge you share here on agon . I am curious as to how you gained so much knowledge pertaining to digital audio ? My apologies to the op for this side step . I am just curious as to some of the more knowledgable participants back stories. Thanks, Mike 
Great video. Look forward to seeing and hearing the system. I have to say it was akward watching your feet wiggle throughout the vid.lol
Geez . It was a play on words . The name shiit was created for the very reason the op used it .