Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hey gang. I’ve been trying to find Uber servers and have only really come upon 3 (or 4) thus far. The Burmester 151 server/DAC/preamp and 111 Music Center (both of which are REALLY long in the tooth!) and the Boulder 2120 server/DAC/preamp. And The Memory Player. $22k-$55k based on configurations. That looks rather interesting and has some amazing reviews (constantly updated over the course of 11 years is pretty impressive, and their customer support is first rate from what I hear).

The 151 and 2120 are both $50k +++

then theres the $15-20k range of the Aurender W20 and the DCS Rossini Player.

Are there any others that I am missing?

i guess there is Request’s The Beast and BMC’s PureAudio server. The BMC product seems more lifestyle then high end. The Beast looks very intriguing but I don’t think has any US representation; like the CAD CAT, which also looks awesome but doesn’t have any US importer (you can buy and ship here, but service would need to be done back in England if needed). And the TotalDAC server/system which I have plans to audition, but has "limited" US presence (there is a dealer in the US but any service would still need to be done overseas).

First off, thanks to Jeff for making the offer (I have the best headphone amp I've ever heard in my Ayre QX5/20) even though I don't need a new DAC/amp.  That's really kind and he's doing the opposite of some companies by NOT selling out the back door and screwing dealers.  That's important as we don't have this thread without some great dealers who have helped Matt and others attain most of these products.

As for someone asking about good IEM's or CIEM's...I have been using a pair of Noble Audio Savants since they came out and they are awesome.  Love them on my QX5/20 as well as through a basic AQ Red DAC on the iPhone for travel.  They will show you the sound curves on their site.  There are other nice ones out there, but for my money the Noble's have some of the best sound you can get in all price ranges. They'd match nicely with the Comet for sure.

Matt, I can't wait for you to get these servers up and running once the Davici gets put back into use ;).  I'm really interested to see how the Burmeister and other very expensive units compare to the N10. Honestly, you are only using the N10 and not the W20, so that's not fair to Aurender is it?  Ha....Seriously though, Wouldn't you want to try the W20 also or is that only if you want to use the AES/EBU out to the DAC?  I was told it's virtually the same unit other than a better output connection (which made no sense).  I've heard the W20 a few years ago and was blown away by how natural it was.  Fully extended on both ends with a glorious mid range.  I believe it was highly detailed with a very very low noise floor.  It was awhile ago.  I love the N10 and the N100H for their price ranges also.  Never been a huge fan of the earlier ones though.

I heard a rumor that we could see the Aurender using both their app as well as......wait on it......wait.........still waiting.......ROON.  Was told last night by someone who spoke with their rep that they are actually talking to Soon about being able to use the Aurender servers as a Roon core.  If so, that gives them an even larger leg up.  They really stand behind the units and the dealers love selling them as they never have problems and the company takes care of everything for them.  Can't beat that business model and it's helpful for we consumers also.  Not dealing with the SQ as Matt does, but to me, JUST as important.  Customer service and supporting the product fully in both set up, use and in times of peril.  

HI all.

This is Larry of Distinctive Stereo.  As this is my first time here I don't want to be accused of self-promotion, but I do want to thank Matt for his kind words on my listening room and system (I am the U.S. importer of German Physiks loudspeakers, which he forgot to mention-!), in particular the Exogal Comet.  I also appreciate the Exogal head honcho for contributing to the thread.

Needless to say, anyone in the NJ/NYC area who has an interest in or questions about the Exogal, please feel free to contact me.

And now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Regards,

Larry 

Peter, according to the Aurender rep, the W20 and N10 sound identical unless you are running an external clock. Then the W20 sounds better. I would imagine the battery power has to give the W20 an edge. But the N10 is awesome so I'm not complaining. 

Matt,
Though I have not heard it, the MEMORY PLAYER BY MARK PORZILLI is the only one with proprietary tech.

Its the one that has the potential to be VERY different. Nothing me too about it.