Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hello,

Very interesting discussion and I am late to the party.
I have read / skimmed most entries, but excuse me if this has been mentioned.

I own and highly recommend the Mola Mola Tambaqui.  It easily bested (to me) my old PS Audio DS, Auralic Vega G2, Chord Dave and a few others I have auditioned in my system.  It just sounds better.  

It was made available to me prior to purchase to audition from Bill at GTT Audio.  In my Audionet and Mola Mola systems it sounds fantastic.
I have both YG Hailey and Revel Salon2 speakers.

I believe it sounds great with CD quality, as well as sounding even better with High Res files.

It is Roon capable and is a streamer as well as DAC.

Finally, to me, all of the DAC's I have owned benefit from a (good) preamp.

Thanks!  Ken

@hchilcoat 

the former: the Cantata got crushed. and I LOVE my Cantata (have had it for 9 years now - the longest I've had any piece of equipment). it wasn't subtle nor pretty.

@fastfreight I've heard great things about the Tambaqui (which, by coincidence is the tastiest fish I know). I just believe it's above my budget new and although I might be able to stretch to the used one I see for sale at the moment, I don't want to buy blind. I believe I could get one loaned from the local dealer, since I know him personally, but I just don't feel comfortable loaning it to go and buy a used one right thereafter. 🤷‍♂️

btw, the Salon2 speakers are incredible in their own right. and I normally associate some incredibly high-current and high-powered amps to drive any YG. they are normally a pig to drive.

@mattnshilp 

I also lust for Gryphon's Kalliope, but, again, way beyond my budget. 😢
will PM you, even if just for morbid curiosity. 😜

Getting a mint Sony XA5400es Modwrighted with NOS tubes and an extra drive....had one before and let it go...big mistake!