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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
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Oops. And the Vandy 7 - I have not counted it out just yet.
agear
1,362 posts
 
I agree Matt. I have been using computers since the early 80s and always used to laugh how the hot thing that we spent thousands on was outdated a few months later. That is the nature of computers. Antipodes, Aurender, Totaldac, Lumin, and the Aries are all "computers." What we really need are dacs that are truly impervious to their source.
theaudiotweak
2,780 posts
 
Pass had this patent since expired and copied and changed by others..only 25 years have pass-ed.Active low frequency acoustic resonance suppressor. www.google.com/patents/US4899387 Filed 1988 granted 1990

Also change the 90 degree angles all around especially those overhead on and around a soffit. Think aerodynamic flow, rather than crashing head on into a 90 degree brick wall. Not only will they sound better they look better. Ask a wife.
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
The Big Picture:

I was speaking with someone the other day about my Audiophilio Nervosa diagnosis and he kept saying he just doesn't get it, or the hobby. I delved deeper and realized that he really didn't listen to much music at all and it hit me like a train... This man completely lacks the capacity to be emotionally moved or otherwise effected by music in any way. It does nothing to him. My incomprehension quickly turned to pity as I thought of what he was missing out on.

I then began to think of how fortunate I was that I have the capacity to not only enjoy music (like my wife who loves listening but it doesn't truly touch her soul) but be truly moved emotionally by it. To be swept away into a place that only a song can take us is a gift that few have. Not just tapping our toes, but a total immersion in the auditory moment to the level that your other senses actually shut down and say to themselves ," geeze, the ears are getting a special treat, let's just shut down for a bit and enjoy the ride...."

We should all count ourselves truly fortunate to have been given this gift. Because many many people lack it.
richfield_hunter
68 posts
 
Great perspective Matt. It truly is a gift
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