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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
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Matt's getting some cool gear in soon...I have a feeling things will pick up quickly after that.  Looks like I'll be getting my The Memory Player with DAC in next week or so.  Can't wait.  I'll be selling the Ayre QX5 most probably, but it's such a GREAT headphone amp that I may need to figure out a way to put it in another room ;)...That's what I love about a DAC that has a streamer built right in.  
ddriveman
171 posts
 
Mattnshilp,

I'm keeping my Zanden. It's one of thise audio units that's a keeper. Allnic is for sale. I understand your thoughts on the DAVE. But the Blu2 adds much more to the DAVE than DAVE itself. The combo Blu2/DAVE with full upsampling to 764kHz turned on is revelutionary. I'm keeping my Zanden's teddy bears (who can give up their teddys) but the Blu2/DAVE combo makes the teddys jump up and dance.
snopro
385 posts
 
Matt,
Did you get a chance to hear a Denafrips Terminatot Dac? It’s been getting glowing reviews from reviewers and audiophiles.

Joe


mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Hi all. So sorry for the slow going. Work has been nuts. Anyone in Munich who can give us an update? I really wanna go next year!!!

I got a great phone call from the Lampizator importer thanks to our resident Lampy fan; thank you sir!!!

A gen 6 Big 7 is en route to me and when he picks up the Big 7 he will bring a Pacific to compare to my Davinci 2. I can’t wait !!!

Snopro - no, I don’t know the Terminator. Is it available in the US. Can you provide a website?

im still working diligently on the footer/rack project. I’ll do another video shortly to update everyone on that.

Thanks for your patience and interest!!
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Thanks for the update Matt.  Can't wait to hear bout the Lamy's.  This will be very cool as you are now open to audition the tubes.  
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