Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

How about the latest directstream with the bridge II installed. Sounds very good to me compared to a lot of dacs listed here. Using the bridge, it uses  I2S internally. Finally I'm able to get rid of USB which I used for many years either going from the computer music server into a dac or from my Auralic Aries (which sounded fantastic, better than some of the others listed in this thread). Get a Gb network setup with a good quality cat 5/6 cable going in the bridge II and forget about servers in your audio room and ditch USB

Agreed Limniscate, volume matching is super important. Little differences can make one DAC sound more dynamic then the other. 

I find that listening to a piece and identifying the equipments strengths and weaknesses, and then playing the same piece on the other equipment and doing the same is more effective then flipping between two pieces actively during a song. Flipping allows a more direct comparison, but does something wonky to our brain while listening. 

Excited to read about the results.  Make sure you guys volume match.  A friend and I thought we heard all sorts of differences between the Schiit Yggy and the Ayre Codex.  Once we volume matched, neither of us could tell any difference.

Here's the update:

i am in the thick of comparing the ODSX and the Emm DA2. I will hold reports until I am done. 

I ordered a Chord DAVE DAC and am going to arrange an Antipodes DX (version 2, which is supposedly light years ahead of the original version). Dave (Audio Doctor) is coming over Sunday morning with a Davinci LightHarmonic DAC, the top tier T&A DAC and the Baetis music server. We are going to have a huge shoutout between the Emm DA2, ODSX and N10 with his gear. Should be VERY illuminating.

My Chord DAVE and DX should be here in a few weeks.

I'm trying to arrange to get the CAD DAC and CAT music server in and have arranged for the TotalDAC DAC 12 & Music Server to come early summer. I'd still love to arrange to hear a Rossini in my room; I have some thoughts on that. 

Yes, there are a few reference tube DAC's I have not considered; I'm ok with that. Apologies to those who are tube dac fans. It is what it is. If you feel strongly enough for me to include them then you can arrange with the manufacturer or a dealer to contact me and arrange an audition. 

Also gonna have a buddy come over this summer (CTSooner) and bring his Ayre DAC so we can compare that little bad boy to the big bad boys. 

Fun times are afoot!

Cerrot, although I can not argue with your colorful analogy, I was under the impression that USB was streaming and Ethernet was packetized and buffered. The galvanic isolation of Ethernet and it’s packetized, buffered system allows lower error rates and less noise. USB is not inherently low noise. But if you have tried the USB output/input on several reference level servers and dacs the proof is in the pudding. USB, if properly isolated, filtered and implemented, provides crazy good sound.

I just don’t understand why I2S is not the standard, but it isn’t.

As I said, I think USB will eventually go away as Ethernet becomes better utilized and implemented. But just like optical was IT for a long time, USB is having its moment. I’m not sure which orifice it equates to, but it can’t be judged negatively simply because it’s USB. I’ve heard USB sound too damn good for it to be dismissed.

4425 - yes Bricasti M1 was in my room. And now it’s not. This thread isn’t about if a DAC is good or bad, it’s about finding the best damn DAC out there for MY room and MY ears. I never imply that my opinion is THE opinion, just AN opinion. And everyone needs to remember that. I just like sharing on my journey and I love the company. And I have had a ton of great suggestions from the group along the way. If a DAC made it into my room, it’s one of the absolute best. So if you are looking and use my thread consider IF I listened to it and what my description of it was. I try to be honest and accurate. And as a reminder, I made a personal opinion to not consider tube DAC’s. Right or wrong, I just cut them out after my first round of auditions. It doesn’t mean they are t worth considering. Lascala, Golden Gate, etc. and a ton of other great tube DAC’s should be considered if tubes are in your equation. I just chose to not include them in mine. 

Thanks guys.

Close, but no cigar.  I am glad that USB is finally getting a look at that it just may not be the end all to PC audio.  The problem with USB (and why they sound so different, so unstable, prone to everything) is because USB data is transmitted in packets, and not a stream.  I just use spdif and have not played with the ethernet, etc but I have always kept away from USB.  USB is a belly button.  Every computer has one. PC manufacturers wanted to keep customer service costs down, so came up with usb audio, rather than having you open up your computer to install a sound card.  USB is the anus of your computer. I do't want my music coming out of there.  

Yes, I'm in the back row to the right of center with glasses and goatee.  Not my most flattering pic though, lmao....

I haven't followed this very long thread but if Bricasti isn't a leading contender for a red book dac some bad advice is being offerred here. As a bonus if desired it will sound better direct into your amp than using any preamp. I'm blessed to have very good gear and the M1 is one of those buy and forget pieces. Awesome customer service as well. 

Awesome read and mandatory for all digital audio users!

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/05/gordon-rankin-on-why-usb-audio-quality-varies/

Also an interesting point I saw in a review of the Gen 2 Antipodes DX made by the DX designer:
According our man in New Zealand the argument against Ethernet (and for USB) runs like this: compared to Ethernet, USB has the potential to carry more noise from the server to the DAC but generates less of its own noise inside the DAC (think: receiver chips). Ethernet remains a good strategy with a noisy server. However, it can be bested by USB when a low noise server with a decent clock is present.

My fist experience with an Ethernet Renderer in a DAC has not been overwhelmingly positive. I feel that it ads a whole new series of variables that we (read I) am unfamiliar with: linear power supplies for Ethernet switches, low voltage switches, audiophile grade Ethernet cables, direct connection with bridged Ethernet ports vs. using a switch, etc.... there are a few excellent threads that discuss these tweaks but it all comes down to how crazy into the computer end of the DIY you want to go versus embracing a ready made server product. 

Do I think that Ethernet Renderers built into DAC's is the best big thing? YES, I do! Do I think everyone is ready for it and the audio world is prepared to implement it properly? No, 

thanks let me see. I doubt it though

It was a great time with Mike at Suncoast.  If I lived down there, he'd be my dealer no doubt.  He just gets it.  I haven't seen the pics.  I doubt if I'm in any though, but who knows.  He put on a really nice event.  What a great store though.  Three good listening rooms of various size and shapes. Not easy to get it right, but he has some of the best sounding rooms going.  I like his mix of products also.  I'm still not a Magico fan after listening to the S3 all day.  I like the lower end dynamics of the Vandersteen for much less money as did a few others who were there.  Still, they were so much better sounding from the mid bass up than the original ones they made.  Peter McKay was very knowledgeable as always.  I met him before when he was with Krell, here in CT.  

Mike has a great diversity of products for high end. I was quite surprised at the different choices he offers for digital.  He may be an analog guy too, but that shows that you can do both if you have the coin, lol. Where are the pics located?  I'd love to see them. I met a bunch of guys from VAC as well as Suncoast Audio Society.  Was just a fun Saturday afternoon for me.  I thank Mike for having me over and sharing.  Very kind of him.

I agree Reverendo,  the MK II Davinci is even better than the Mark One almost impossible to hear as the owner of Light Harmonic is personally upgrading each unit himself so the likely hood is what you heard was a MK I Dual Dac

The Mark II Dual Dac expands on everything in the MK I and adds 768k and DSD 512.

We are feeding our Davinci with a Baetis Reference computer and the sound is to die for, extremely analog with tremendous air and depth.

If you are ever in our neck of the woods love for you to hear our setup.

Troy
Audio Doctor
877 428 2873

oh, and Orpheus is really interesting, too. just a couple of contenders there.

the DaVinci is still the best one-box DAC I've heard until today. I also loved the full stack of the Scarlatti was incredible, but complicated. both are crazy money, but I haven't heard better. Still want to listen an AudioAero LaSource and Gryphon Kalliope.

I will talk to him tomorrow, what is the rest of your system and where are you located?

I am sure we can arrange for a demo. You should call the shop.

Troy. Dave knows me. He has been to my house. Talk to him about bringing some of the real contender stuff over and we can play. I'd love to hear the T&A and Davinci. 

Thanks for input on the Rossini guy's. I have felt the other DCS to be overly analytical; but I thought the Rossini was different. Maybe not. 

Wow Ctsooner, and I finally agree on something, The DCS is very detailed but has no soul.

We sell many of the top digital front ends on the market, I am surprised no one has brought up the T+A PDP 3000 which is a state of the art dac, CD player, Sacd player, it is remarkably good  and plays DSD 512.

We also have the Light Harmonic Davinci which can be had in the MK I guise for less then the new MK II absolutely world class sound, organic and in a different league of performance than almost any digital front end you will hear, huge sound stage, warm midrange, incredible resolution, killed the Berkly.

We also have the Aqua Digital and EMM Labs as well.

If you are on the East Coast we have one of the largest selections of digital products:
we have Naim, Lumin, Aurender, Baetis, EMM Labs, Mytek, Light Harmonic Davinci, T+A and we are always evaluating new digital front ends.

The T+A digital front end was rated by Robert Harley as the best SACD playback he has ever heard. 

If we can be of assistance please feel free to give us a call.

Dave is in the shop most of the time, I can be reached on some weekends.

Troy
Audio Doctor
877 428 2873

Michael is now using the TotalDac unless he changed again in the last few months.  Matt, Brinkmann Nyquist is in this game too.  I was really impressed when i heard it two months ago.  Just outstanding.  If you need a Dave, call me.  Personally, I got the Ayre over the Dave as it has much deeper and tuneful bass for my ears.  I think the Ayre also has a bit better pace and rhythm.  Dave has a great mid range up, but the Ayre matches it for my money.  I personally don't love Rossini.  I've now heard it in 4 different systems and like all of the DCS DAC's, it's highly detailed and a bit dry.  No warmth at all.  It's a great piece, no doubt and many will swear by it because it's so detailed, but honestly, I hear great detail in most of the top DAC's we are talking about, but the Rossini to me is like a robot,....just can't warm up to it. I have a bunch of folks I speak with regularly who feel the same way.  I had the original one in my system for a week and I realized that I barely went up to listen to it.  

I also believe the AQUA Formula, even the LaScala Optologic are top tier DACs, you can also contact Mark Sossa at Well Pleased A/V in VA who is the US Distributor.

mattnshiip, contact Tweek Geek.

Aqua Formula

Aqua Formula is Mike Lavigne's reference so gotta be good.  Right?  :-)

Call Michael at Tweek Geek for Aqua.

Knghifi- the formula for Aqua is H2O. ;)

Haven't heard it. Guessing it will not be easy to acquire a demo though. Any dealers you know who I can contact?

How about Aqua Formula?  

Ok. Trying to arrange an audition with the top tier TotalDAC DAC and server, as well as the CAD DAC and server. Also trying to negotiate a Cord DAVE purchase since they are impossible to find for audition. 

I would happily audition a Golden Gate but am not willing to buy one to try it. First off, I'm not super motivated to go tubes in my all solid state (and happy to be so) system. As I said long ago, I'm obsessive compulsive and the options of tube rolling would drive me insane!!! But I have heard one at a show and it sounded great. 

With the TotalDAC and CAD audition planning underway and potentially a DAVE in bound, if I can truly make all that happen then I feel the only DAC left to audition would be the Rossini. Let's get there and then cross that bridge. 

Andre. Message me. Happy to talk speakers. I've heard almost all of them. Lol. 

@mattnshilp don't want to be OT, so I'll just make this quick. I started a thread on WBF where I describe my specific needs, taste, etc.
Currently this is what my shortlist looks like after some personal research and suggestions that I got through the thread. I was able to listen to the Endeavor MkII and the Revel Salon 2 as you will see on the thread. Former wasn't interesting, second was wonderful, but also very large.
VS Unifield 3 mkII
Endeavor Mk2
Heco Dreiklang
Salk Soundscape 8
Revel Salon 2
Thiel 3.7
Carmel 1
Kharma CE
Rockport Merak Sheritan
Raidho XT-3
TAD Evolution 1
Magico S3
Ayon
Audiovector SR
Hope me know if you want to talk speakers.
Best
Andre

N10 sounds best with XLR output I think. Hoping for some time tomorrow morning to give a listen. 

Matt, will you use the AES/EBU connection from the N10 when possible or just keep it all in the USB domain?  I noticed the N10 has ethernet for downloads, but no ethernet for connection to a DAC that can accept it like the Ayre or the EA.  I think for me, that's another possibly advantage of the Melco servers as well as the Music Vault servers (we NEED to get you one in your system and I NEED to get one into mine).  Richfield has been using his MV for years now and LOVES it.  I have heard it numerous times and feels it's outstanding and everyone can be built right into it, like Roon etc..  No a commercial as I've only spoken to Neil VB a few times when pricing one out and with questions.  I wonder why most folks don't talk about it much.  

Heading to Suncoast Audio on Saturday.  Mike has a Magico guy in and I'll get to hear one or two of the DAC's I'm sure.  Really looking forward to that visit.  As Winson said, he's a guy you want to visit if you live down this way as his product line is insane and he has Vandersteen's or Magicos and I think another major line.  That way you can surely find what you love.  Choices are just so important in audio.  Nothing beats auditioning at the same time.  That's why this thread is fun.  Matt and I heard a bit differently, but after getting to know him I know what the differences are and it's even more fun to read and hear what he has to say IRT all equipment.  Glad that we have this going again.

Wise words from Wisnon. (Say that ten times fast, lol).

These are all excellent DAC’s. Taste, system, room will vary resulting in a market where everyone sells product and everyone is happy.

The N10 is borrowed and back in my room. I’m hoping to start some comparisons tomorrow.

Wisnon, the GG sounded great at the last show I heard it at. It’s impossible to constantly stay up on everything new that keeps coming out. But it’s fun to try! ;)

Have had the Berk Ref 2 in a few times as I wanted to like it and a dealer I like to purchase from when I can, carries it.  Just not as good to my ears as the Ayre and it's not even close to for me.  I know others here have had it in and said that it wasn't as good as the DAC's they were using like EA or Lampi and a few others.

Wisnon, I should be able to make it to Mike's on Sat as he has a Magico demo going on that day. I really look forward to meeting him of course.  Will be good to hear Magico's too as in the past I have not liked them.  I know they have changed their sound a bit and warmed it up, so I'm really looking forward to that.

Imgood...

Taste matters. A few weeks ago I posted an account where a man and his wife demoed many of the dacs mentioned here and both lampis came out on top. That may be different for other people. Nature of the hobby.

Cstooner

Let us know how it goes on  your visit to Suncoast Audio. Mike has nearly all these brands there!

Listen to a Berkeley Alpha Reference 2 DAC. It's the best I've heard at $20K.

BTW guys...i got my GG back a few months ago after a total refresh...usb superclocks. Firmware update to the R2R ladder, DSD512 engine and a few internal tweaks. OMG...talk about order being restored...the Atlantic was nipping at its heels and now there is clear, wide, deep, blue sea separation. The BASS...dayum! So much improved. My speakers only go to 40hz...but now the bass is coming thru the floor thru the sofa and up my spine. Feels like 27hz! I have an assortment of DHT tubes and rectis to choose frim to tailor my sound. Love that.

My pals in Leichtenstein got a Golden Atlantic abd they say it clobbers the basic Atlantic.

Lampi, Ayre, Chord and YES MSB have all have home runs out there. Just need to pick your poison. 

The proprietary software applications seem very intriguing.

Matt, Cstooner have you guys tried the very affordably priced MemoryPlayer Mini...2500 to 3500 dollars?

I've done ethernet vs wifi on my Ayre QX5 streaming Tidal...no comparison and that's not even on a special converted wired network etc..

re - the electrician running ethernet to an attic room

Test using WiFi vs. a long ethernet cable first - you might find that it is as good (if it reaches your room)

Heard the new Oppo and it's not in the same discussion as the DAC's being discussed here.  Matt said it's not about price and it isn't, but I've yet to hear anything under 8k or so that compete with the DAC's being discussed and I get out a ton and get to hear a lot of stuff.  There are some very good DAC's in the market from 2k and under.  Codex, Schitt and a few others come to mind.  If this was about DAC's 5k and under they'd be in the conversation I'm sure.

The other thing is that Matt is only interested in redbook sound and not how they sound with DSD or higher resolution.  Personally, any of the great redbook DAC's also are just as good with even more detail given to them.

I just bought the Modwright Sonica DAC. Actually his Axpona demo unit. I won’t get it until after Axpona. I’m hoping that Dan took full advantage new ESS Sabre DAC chip.

<Oppo dealer disclaimer>
Have you heard the new Oppo Sonica DAC?  It's detailed, dynamic, with a large soundstage, with an excellent balanced output stage and only $799!  Plays most any digital file format.  I'd put it up against DACs at 5X the price.  

Leotis, price is irrevelevant. Sound is everything! I did hear a Schitt DAC a while ago in my room. It was their top of the line. It was excellent for the price, but it was not in the performance level of the DAC's I currently own. 

When I read "For Redbook... musical, emotional, engaging, accurate , with great dimension" I thought, "Oh, he means the Schitt Yggdrasil." Then I realized it is probably not expensive enough to be considered in this discussion. Plus it won't do DSD.

Matt, that's a given. Promise. When I get back from the Juice Plus convention the beginning of May.

You are dead on IRT source with DAC.  No question. Just read the forums and you can tell. Micheal Lavorgna will say the same I bet and to me he's a true expert.  When I can figure out a time, I'll ask him if he can come over if that's ok.  I'm really excited to see if the ODSX will be what I think it will be.  I could have had my ODSE converted as you know, but the wait would have been too long and I really loved that Ayre made a true digital component where you only need to add ethernet and some sort of hard drive.  I stream a ton of Tidal now, so for me, it's the best solution.  

I know one other who has the ODSX, lol....and loves it.  Feels it's the best he's ever had in his system.  I NEED to hear your EMM as I have a few friends who own it and love it.  Also, another poster on this thread who's become a good friend, has (I forget the name of it, but it's those guys up in MA who make them.  I'll edit this and add the name when I can think of it.  Just an MS moment as you know I have Matt, lol.) another DAC that is being updated and he swears by it.  I think that right now there are probably about 5 -7 DAC's that folks swear by as their ref DAC's and then a level just below.  I do feel that many of these that are 'just below' are SOOOO close (ref my Ayre QX5/20 vs the TotalDac that's twice the price, but oh sooooo close according to Michael L at www.audiostream.com if you want to check out his thoughts on both).  

Just a wonderful time to be getting involved with digital sound.  now what we really need are better recordings for much of the popular genre's.  JMHO

Peter, I look forward to playing. I'd like to get your prized Ayre into my system and compare it to my prized ODSX and Emm DA-2.

i do think that sources have an affect on DAC performance, as do the sources best output and the DAC's best input. The ODSX uses a native Ethernet Renderer, which I believe to be the future. The Emm's AES input, I believe, is its best. But the USB is more flexible. The N10 soundsbest via its AES output but good from USB as well. Obviously most computers and products such as the Sonore MicroRendu rely on USB to get their signals to the DAC. It truly becomes a matter of synergy and taste. 

I shall keep reporting as i have findings. Thanks guys. I'm glad I'm back in the game. I waited so long for my ODSX. 

I heard the latest version a month or so ago and it's not in the same league as my Ayre QX5/20.  If folks want to bring in another name to check I think you need to look at Brinkmann.  I heard their new DAC at an unveiling and was really impressed.  It's going to be in the discussion soon, but I don't feel it's better than the Ayre (dealer carries both lines) and the TotalDac is a hair better than the Ayre, but for twice the price.  Matt seems to love the EMM as do a few others.  I need to get down to Matt's to check it out, but will wait until he gets his new EA ODSX burned in.  That will be a fun road trip for me.