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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
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
1,000 posts
 
Hi @mattnshilp,

This is off topic but just a shout out for your enjoyable review of the SabrinaX in the latest issue of TAS. Keep up the great work. Congrats!

Cheers!
Jon
mattnshilp OP
917 posts
 
Thanks Jon. Positive feedback is always appreciated. I try to make my reviews as informative, honest, accurate and entertaining as I can. 👍🏻
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
You're doing great @mattnshilp lol.  I wish I still had my sub to TAS.  I'll have to wait until it's free to read.  Ha....

You really are a strong writer/reviewer.  Always have been and it's fun to read (and then chat about, lol. ha).
geoffalter
2 posts
 

 

George, this is an old thread, but curious what R2R DAC you use? I have a wonderful R2R DAC, but also a wonderful DSD DAC, the Cen.Grand Deluxe and I find both to be amazing for their own reasons. But since you are such a proponent of the R2R technology, which do you use and which do you recommend?

Curious what you use...

Thanks,

Geoff

mitch2
4,752 posts
 

@geoffalter ​​-

@georgehifi still has a system page but hasn't posted here since November of 2021.  That said, 10 years after it was first posted, this thread is still valid given the relatively low percentage of content available beyond Redbook CD, and how $15-20K is still a price range that should afford a pretty good DAC to convert Redbook CD files.

I would be interested in reading updates to this thread from end users who own some of the more recent DAC offerings that do well with Redbook CDs, regardless of the price range.

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