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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
 
Ok. Gear list video is up on the YouTube channel. 

https://youtu.be/xI2Qq1PhvrA
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Smer319 - I have heard great things about the Brinkman. Sounds like a rather unique product and I’d love to hear it, and the new Meridian. I started with a Meridian DAC and surrounded professor years and years ago. It was very very good with my Classe multi channel amp and Aerial Acoustics 10T speakers, which I still have. 
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt, I used to love those speakers lol. Too funny. That Brinkmann is a great Dac. I’ve heard it a few times. It really shined last year in the Vandersteen room at one of the shows. My Ayre QX 5 has a hair more detail, but it won’t touch the musicality or size of sound stage that the Brinkmann has. It’s also twice the price but this is about best. 
pokey77
1,260 posts
 
@mattnshilp 

Matt,

Enjoyed the first three videos. Like Steve, I'd love for you to explain your speakers and how they work.

Note: The lighting you are using seems to add a blue hue but is also appreciated. Certainly better than no lighting at all.
nitewulf
419 posts
 
I thought the Light Harmonic Davinci is a ladder dac?
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