Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Has anyone else heard the Direct Stream DAC with the latest firmware updates? I feel this DAC has improved greatly since I purchased it and another firmware update is on the way soon. This unit is going through an evolution.

Thanks Matt.  I too had the PS Audio DAC in and it wasn't in the same ballpark as the Empirical Audio DAC I had at the time.  The Ayre QX5/20 took my system to a different level than even the EA DAC.  

I would love to get that CAD here to go up against my Mac Mini. Matt have you had the Melco N1Zh in yet? If not, let me see if I can get my hands on one (when the new one comes out) and we can both try it out.  I do want an ethernet connected server though as everyone who manufactures or designs seems to feel it's the best way to move the digits, but that's to do so, is a large expense to do it correctly.  

Just glad this thread is going again.  I think the evolution is pretty amazing.  We started with everyone just throwing out their own DAC's or what their dealers want them to buy or even some manufacturer's trolling the thread, but in the end, there's nearly a consensus that there are only a handful of great DAC's still and that some of the larger names that everyone always talks about being the best values in audio etc, don't quite make this top tier.  Good products in their weight class though and not to be dismissed, but if you want the best, you can read every  page of this thread and make a list of about 5 or 6 DAC's that most feel are best.  I've been fortunate to hear many of them and can see the virtues and faults of each one.  That's probably why we all chose different DAC's for our reference DAC (money also plays a part, but not quite as much).  

Thanks for the server link to the Head-fi thread. I missed that one over there for some reason.  

PS Audio not in the same class. Sorry.

There is an awsosme thread here about top tier music servers. Similar to this thread about reference DAC's....

http://www.head-fi.org/t/787020/review-comparison-of-5-high-end-digital-music-servers-aurender-n10-c...

Im on page 17. There are 51 pages. 16-18 has some great info. But the general info thus far is that the Antipodes DX is good but the TotalDAC and N10 are better. And the favorite is the CAD music server, which I have considered as well.

There is commentery about ehernet based based systems but everyone goes back to the dedicated server as the ultimate source. But I'm only up to page 17....

How would the PS Audio Directstream Jr compare to these dacs that have been stated In this thread?

Mitch2 - the DX was the demo unit from the distributor, the same one used at Axpona last year. I would assume it was in proper working condition. Always happy to hear it again. I found the N10 superior in every way. I’m not a professional reviewer so no one sends me equipment to review; I need to "acquire" pieces through begging, borrowing or buying. I’m trying to get an S1 Lumin in as well. I had borrowed an A1 and also preferred the Aurender over it.

I can only report what I hear. I have a friend who is also a manufacturer who listens with me. My opinions are mostly my own but typically are agreed with by my friend. When he and I disagree or see different advantages I try to report everything to you guys.

I can say that my system and my room are reference level and demand the absolute highest level of performance from whatever enters that portal. 

I've checked this thread out off and on but never posted to it, but thought I would throw my 2 cents in, just picked up a redbook only dac that's just knocked my socks off! It's an Audio Note Dac-3 Signature circa 1995. :-) Proof that newer is not always better and that a good design is just that, a good design.

I agree with you ctsooner. All of this is just opinion based on personal preference and a whole bunch of other factors that are not the same for any two of us. It is the same for professional reviewers. That is why absolute statements rarely if ever apply for all.

One thing about your affinity for computer-based servers, depending on the player used, it is easier to add your own "special sauce" and tweak the file not only with upsampling but also using EQ to adjust for the room and/or the speaker used. That is one fun aspect of using the computer. My Mojo mini does sound good and depending on player settings and source material it can come pretty close to the sound of the DX.

Guys, we all hear differently.  That's why many will not ever agree with what Matt likes or doesn't like.  I've heard and liked the Antipodes, but I also like the N10 too.  I need to hear the new Melco N1ZH when it comes out as to me it sounds better than the Aurender N100 (again, personal taste).  That said, I could easily live with the N10 or W20 as I like balanced input better than USB.  

I'll still put my purpose built Mac Mini with Paul Hynes LPS up against any server out there.  I don't know everything that Steve did when building the darn thing, but I bring it with me to stores on occasion or other's systems and they can't believe it.  Again, my ear.

We all post about reviews etc, but we all know that they too may or may not like things that we do.  If I was going to get a purpose built server over my Mac Mini, which I may do for ease of use eventually, I'd look at the N10 and the DX, but I'd also need to put the less expensive Melco in the mix and figure the work around if I felt I had to have Roon.  

Different strokes for different folks as this long thread has shown time again.  

Hi Matt, as the owner of a Mojo Mac mini, I agree with you that the better "audiophile grade dedicated standalone servers" improve on the sound of even a purpose-configured Mac mini server, and I respect your opinion that

"Aurender easily stands at the top of the pile (of)......full standalone music servers with renderers built in."

However, I remain curious about your audition of the Antipodes DX server.  As I remember from your posts, you didn't care at all for the sound, which so far off from what most others hear that it makes me wonder whether there were problems with the unit, stored files, or interface with the DAC you were using at the time.  

Last year, my Antipodes DX received the Generation 2 upgrade with full Roon capability.  John Darko at DAR compared the Gen 2 DX with Aurender's N100H and found,

"Antipodes Audio’s flagship DX, ....a cut above its rival in price and performance."

Dave Clark at Posi+ive Feedback said of the original (Gen 1) DX,

"I loved the sound. I mean LOVED. The Antipodes presents music with such scale and density that it is scary good. Space, presence, texture… extension, detail, resolution… absence of any, ANY, glare, grit, brightness, hardness… but a lot of nothingness between the notes and within the music. Damn. Stuff just happened. The music played… it flowed... washing over you like the waves of the sea. Engulfing you… engaging you… sweeping you away. The Antipodes brought out the best, but did not editorialize or color the sound. What was there was there, but with the better the recording, the better it sounded… and yet, poor recordings took on a higher level of sonic pleasure—the Antiopdes dug deeper into the music letting the beauty come out, regardless of the quality.....my highest recommendation."

John Atkinson, of Stereophile, reviewed the Gen 1 DX and concluded,

"Highly recommended. I said highly."

In addition to the folks listed above, others who hear lots of digital gear, such as Steve Nugent and Michael Lavorgna also really like the DX.  I have not yet seen anything less than a stellar review of the Antipodes DX, or of any Antipodes server, and my own experience is that the Gen 2 Antipodes DX is easily the best-sounding digital source I have used in my system. So, while I am not questioning your opinion, I am questioning whether there may have been a problem with the DX unit you auditioned.  If not, then I would chalk up your observations to personal preference.   The reasons for my post are to encourage you to find an opportunity to hear another (preferably Gen 2) DX server, and also to encourage the other readers of this thread that there are (at least) two top choices when considering a stand-alone server.

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/06/reference-grade-roon-with-the-antipodes-dx-gen-2/

http://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/audio-ramblings-the-antipodes-dx-music-server/

http://www.stereophile.com/content/antipodes-dx-reference-music-server#BTSLL31HoQZV9o0i.97

Matt that will be fun to hear what you have to say.  Which Melco were you using?  The N1ZH or the N1A?  I'm excited to hear the new units when they come out in the next couple of months.  The N10 only has USB and not AES/EBU or ethernet right?  

I have done an extensive comparison of most available audiophile grade dedicated standalone servers, and the Aurender easily stands at the top of the pile. I'm not talking about DAC's with renderers; I'm talking full standalone music servers with renderers built in. 

I will shortly compare the N10 to the computer with Ethernet streaming. Amongst the many mini comparisons we are going to do is comparing the Emm DA-2 fed by the N10 to the Emm DA-2 fed by the computer/Ethernet/Sonore Microrendu. Should be interesting considering the N10's amazing performance. 

There will always be room for a purpose built, one box, easy to plug and play server.  I"m honestly thinking about getting the Melco and using it only as a NAS and running my Mac Mini to run Roon and the network via an iPad if I can figure out how to get it to work. I also want to wait to hear what the new Melco's will sound like and then also to see if Roon themselves come out with their NUC soon, which I believe they are close.  I want to run Roon if I can for how much fun it seems to be.  I love playing with it when visiting stores and in friend's systems.

I haven’t tried MinimServer, but have been using Roon on a QNAP NAS with a i5 motherboard and 16GB RAM. It sounds great and is fast enough to run Roon’s DSP engine that outputs DSD128. Together with a Sonore microRendu Ethernet-to-USB streamer at the DAC and a Windows tablet for control, this is a simple, relatively inexpensive, high-performance solution that scales easily to mass storage. Setting it up requires just rudimentary IT skills. The high performance and relatively modest price makes me wonder if days are numbered for purpose-built audiophile servers.

Installing MinimServer on a QNAP NAS

Installing MinimServer on a Synology NAS

Knghifi - how does MinimServer run on a NAS without any processing ? I get running it on Raspberry Pi or SheevaPlug. But I didn't think a NAS had any microprocessing ability, just storage. 

Reverendo - happy to talk speaker. 

I've been using ethernet via DLNA for years.  Never bothered with USB and PC in my sound system ...  

Have you guys tried running MinimServer in a NAS drive so PC is not necessary to play music?  

This is the thread that convinced me to purchase the QX 5 unheard, while I cant chime in on the different dac,s  being currently discussed I can chime in on the optical ethernet vs straight ethernet or USB and yes the optical ethernet gives a much better portrait of the music in dynamics, soundstage, detail and air. I with back and fourth lately between USB and optic for the fact Im burning in a new preamp and its running 24/7 so during the night time I switch to the USB and when I switch back to the optical ethernet thier is a clear difference in those areas especially transparency. There is also a difference in volume levels between the two in my set up with the ethernet being a few db louder.

I feel the difference in straight ethernet vs optical is in the midrange on up, a tad more transparency and natural timber, bass is fantastic in both.

thanks for the update. I'm now waiting for the upgrade to my Resolution Audio Cantata DAC that seems to be scheduled for this summer before I think of chaning source. The speakers that have been played with here, however, do interest me.
Will await the updates.

Matt, as you know I'm setting up my optic Ethernet network in the next couple of weeks also.  I want to come down in May (booked in April with Juice Plus convention and a trip to see my daughter in the collegiate national finals cheer comp) and I'll bring my Mac Mini server that I got from Steve.  Honestly, I think it's better sounding than the Aurender or even the Antipodes that I heard.  Steve may feel differently, but this server is a killer.  I just need to get a Melco used as a NAS to store and rip my music.  I agree that so far anything I've fed my Ayre QX5 via ethernet is the best sounding.  I've heard the optical ethernet vs straight ethernet in a store a few months ago and was blown away by the subtle differences.  They are small, but big at the same time as the noise floor was lowered and allowed more of the recording to come through.  Yes, lot's of info.  Let's also plan and visiting Lavorgna at his barn.  I have an invite and it would be a blast!  Call when you get a free moment.  

Hi All!!!!

Wow, it’s been a while. But I finally have some new material to report. I have been using my Emm Labs Statement DA2 since I sent my ODSE off to get upgraded to the ODSX. I finally got the ODSX back last week and I am burning it in.

It looks the exact same except for a different name on the faceplate, and a cubic Zirc diamond on the volume knob. But the USB port is gone and an Ethernet Renderer is now there. I have to honestly say that the Ethernet Renderer is the way of the future and every single DAC should now come with one. The computer acts as the music server and everything is nicely packetized from server to Renderer and run IS2 straight to the DAC board. 

So several new questions and comparisons have come up with the ODSX now here. The first and most obvious is to compare the ODSX with the DA2, each using their best source. I plan on borrowing a neighbors Aurender N10 and doing just that in a few weeks when the ODSX is fully burned in. ODSX with Ethernet Renderer fed by my purpose built Mac Mini running JRiver vs the Emm DA2 fed by the N10 via single ended digital XLR (its best input). That will give huge information! THEN I want to be thorough and compare my Mac Mini running JRiver to a PC running JRiver to see if there is a difference between them. THEN I want to compare the ODSX with Renderer to the Emm DA2 using a Sonore Renderer to compare the exact same source with the two DAC’s.

Finally I need to compare my current wired Ethernet to an optic Ethernet to see if there is an improvement.

Stay tuned. Lots of information coming!!!!

Matt just got the new ODSX from Steve.  Needs to be burned in still.  I sold my ODSE/SE and got the Ayre QX5/20 over the other contenders in the thread and love it.  To my ears, it's just behind the TotalDAc and was very very close.  I like it better than the Berk Ref in that it is more dynamic and more detailed, while still being very musical.  It just keeps great timing and timber.  The bass on the Ayre sets it apart for me from many other DAC's I've had in the house.  This thread should keep going, but right now it's seen nearly every DAC in it change. 

I was able to get a Rossini in my system with the external clock.  It's a great DAC if you want hyper detail, but for my tastes it sounded just like it has in the all stores I've heard it and that's dry.  Just not the musical DAC I expected. I was never able to warm up to the music.  I think it's the typical DCS sound though as I've heard their top system a few times and they too left me a bit cold.  EMM is the DAC a lot of the guys are talking about.   I have spent some time with the new Brinkmann DAC and it's also very good, but I still like my Ayre better and it's a full digital hub.  

I"m sure there will be a ton of responses as most of the guys posting have been too busy to say anything, but they will in time.

stumbled upon this thread today.
so, I read this thread until page 20... and then went to look how far it still went... HAHAHAHAHA - SIXTY THREE!!!!
I like to read and was reading kind of obsessively, but this was just too much for even myself. So, is, after all, the EA Overdrive SE it is, correct? Or is there something different and his Virtual System isn't updated?
Thanks in advance

Thanks to another audio friend out in Portland, I've decided to get an optical converter and have an electrician run lines for ethernet into my audio loft.  Going with the PS 1 LPS and a commercial converter I believe it is.  I still need to switch over to Comcast and then find the electrician to do all of this, but it should be worth it in the long run. Then I will focus on which digital server I want to go with.  There are so many questions that really need to be answered from ease of use to which software app you want to run it on. Is using a pad or phone the way you want to control it etc...?  I keep vacillating from top of the line (for the US) Melco to being told to just use Roon and get a basic NAS and set it up that way.  I need to rip about 2-3k CD's, so ease of that is also important.  

Digital isn't easy yet. I like one box solutions like a Music Vault, but then wonder about it breaking down as I need to rip a bunch of stuff, but once ripped, how often will I ever use that blue ray drive?  

I'll take suggestions on music servers/NAS drives and Roon vs on Roon. This thread is too important to let it slip any more.  We are all waiting on Steve's OSDX to get into the hands of many and the new Ayre QX5 Twenty is a killer at the price.  So many new DAC's coming out as we speak.  I think the sound of most of the newer DAC's are better than what we had at the same time last year.  It's a great time to start jumping in if you haven't.  

Happy Thanksgiving to those friends in the US who celebrate.

Matt, I totally agree.  The big problem I personally see with most folks room treatments is that they go too far.  Often when they get advice from the treatment company themselves, their rooms become very deadened and unrealistic in the reverse.  I've found over the years that I have become better and better in treating my own room.  I just walk around and listen for harsh spots and where the reflections come from and up go beautiful quilts or something to absorb or reflect.  Big plants in the corners of the room and a diffusion panel (albums racks work GREAT for this purpose) on the opposing walls and of course a rug or carpet in front of most speakers is usually needed. I rarely find the need to do much more in my rooms (four different houses).  I'm lucky in that none of my rooms so far have had the 50hz resonating problem that even most stores have in their 'professionally' done rooms have.  

You are dead on in venues too.  I get to go see Joe Bonamassa next Monday at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT. I'm so glad it's the larger venue there (they have a smaller intimate one also).  Both their rooms are outstanding in sound quality.  I got to see Joe last year at Carnegy Hall and the room was all of that I thought.  It was acoustic and the size of the room was perfect. This time around he has a full band so I'm excited as it's the larger room (maybe 8k seats?) and it's sold out so it will sound it's best and the room will allow everything to breath and bloom.  I chose to sit in the rear orchestral seats as they are center stage and I love how the sound is back there when there's a full band accompanying him.  

Yes it's all about the venue and it's cool when you have recordings where you know the venue and or the producer so you know how it was recorded.  All I know is that I'm at the point in my audio journey where I'm listening for hours and hours a day, every day.  I love where my room is and even though I want to sell my Treo's and get the Quatro's still, I love what I"m hearing and it's fun again.  

That's really cool about your son loving his music and being gifted.  I can appreciate that as you may remember. Nothing beats appreciating your offspring doing something they love and doing it at a high level of competency.  Call if you get a free moment.  

I did the NYC trip and was greatly let down by Innovative Audio as I looked on their site and it said open on Sundays. I even sent an email to them asking to discuss what I wanted to audition before coming down to the city. I did that days before my trip on Sunday and they never even got back to me.  They have Avalon's and I love them and wanted to hear what they had that would go up against the Quatro's, but when I got there they were closed. They aren't open on Sundays and I booked the whole day around that trip.  Pissed wasn't even the word.  Hate being negative, but folks need to keep their websites up to date if they want my business I guess.  If I hadn't sent an email to them ahead of time (as per their request on their site), then I wouldn't have been as upset.  


As much as I love Johnny at Audio Connections, I can purchase anywhere. As much as I love the Vandersteen speakers, that doesn't mean they are the only speakers in the world and how could I even tell folks to audition them vs something else if I don't know what something else sounds like.  Heck, I have now had two great experiences at Stereo Exchange believe it or not for headphone gear.  I'd recommend them in a heart beat to folks wanting to audition top quality cans.  Didn't meant to make this a negative post, but I guess I'm still feeling burned a bit by Innovative not being open or getting back to me.  Oh well, their loss and someone else's gain eventually as I also need a NAS/server too.  

Back to room and reflections and absorptions, lol.....(and let's throw in a bit of slap echo for fun ;) ).

Fascinating exercise.....

So last night I went to my son’s annual November symphony performance. He’s in an advanced Youth Symphony program and the performances are practically professional level; truly a treat and something I always look forward to. Typically they are held at the NJ PAC in Newark or one of the local High School PAC’s with exceptional acoustics. I am very familiar with the sound of this Symphony’s live performances.

Well, they lost the NJ PAC at the last minute and had to have it at a local church (smallish to medium) and I got to hear, first hand, just how much the room can affect the acoustics!

I was listening to the most accurate stereo system imaginable.... Live Music. Familiar live music no less.

Normally the performance whisks me to that wonderful music land where nothing else exists and my soul feeds on adagio and forte until it swells satiated with the meal it consumed. In this cramped space, my ears bled on every horn flourish and flute twitter. In audiophile terms, it sounded like I was listening to a horn speaker sitting in a room way to small and way to close to the speakers. If this had been a stereo system I would have declared it an utter failure. I have heard upstairs rooms at the stereo shows that sounded better then this live performance!!!

But the experiment was a resounding success. The "system", whether it be a live performance or a $3k modest stereo is COMPLETELY at the whim of the room!!! For those that spend a fortune on gear and nothing on sound treatments...... let this be your wake up call!

CT - so many stores in Manhatten. A few are appointment only. Wes Bender is in Brooklynn and is a great guy with a great ear. Innovative, Sound Exchange, Audio Arts, EarsNova, Lyric, Sound by Singer are all worth a visit. 

Dragon_Vibe - thanks for the input. Playback has always had a strong product. 

I would recommend the New Merlot Dac from Playback design over lampi. The Merlot Dac is designed and coded by the very guy who made DSD in the first place for sony.

LOL,, of course Matt.  Call if you have some time tomorrow. I have to take the wife to Brooklyn for an all day seminar and then to LaGuardia. I"ll drop her off around 9:30 and then head to the city to see what shops are open.  I haven't really been to the shops in the city in awhile.  Not even sure where to go.  Was thinking about Innovation as I have never been there.  

Hi all.

Nothing to post since I’m waiting for my odsx to come back.

The Emm Labs DA-2 demands a better source then my Mac mini. The N10 works well. So once I get my odsx I will head to head the Emm/N-10 via AES against the odsx fed via Ethernet from my Mac mini. The winner will take up permanent residence.

The rest of my system is stunningly good and needs nothing but some power cable tweaking. I’ve been to 2 dozen dealerships, a dozen audio shows and a myriad audiophile systems. Only 3 have, to my ears, outperformed my system; and all 3 were million dollar systems.....

down to the DAC wire. I’ll keep you all posted.

Thanks for keeping this going CTSooner!!! Enjoy that Ayre!

has this thread finally had it's last gasps?  I hope not as it's been a great thread and helped many of us out.  I finally have my Ayre QX5 Twenty DAC fully burned in and it's sounding incredible.  I'm hearing things I haven't heard before and the bass is to dye for.  I'm surprised by the last remark as zero feedback designs will give you glorious music from 100hz up, but the deep bass doesn't always go as deep as you want it to.  That's one reason I love the Vandersteen line from Quatro up as it gives you great bass and I can get the glorious sound of the Ayre and have it all.  I also love the headphone amp on this model as I still use cans.  I'm still serving music from Steve's server I got from him and it sounds awesome. I will probably sell this also though as I want an easier solution for larger storage, ability to use an iPad to control it and also to use Roon, but if I don't find what I want, I may just figure out if I can do all of that this this server.

Thanks Ketch.   I so appreciate your thoughts and respect what you have to share.  I'm not surprised in the least as Steve makes a great DAC.   I still need to speak with you about my ethernet system I need to set up.  I'm in the hospital for the next week or so, if you have time....just let me know.  Thanks.

For anyone who has or is interested in Empirical Dac, I did some more system experimentation. I am going to change my previous impressions. For an absolutely wonderful system and one that can best what I have invested in or experimented with, at 3-5 times the price, consider the ODSX and Final Drives with Antipodes Reference XLR cables and speaker cable loom. I have not found this level of synergy for some time.  Feed this system into your favorite amp and speakers and I believe you will be very happy. Buying and selling gear for me has always been a money loosing proposition. At least I enjoy the journey. Save yourself some cash or invest it in other aspects of your system.

Anyone in the Pacific NW is welcome to audition the gear.

Thank you bill_k for the suggestion to check out the new LaScala III DAC.  

After a day of Ayre's glide tone, the Adagio (using the on-board volume adjustment) is starting to flesh out and sound pretty good.

klh007, I do not have a "link" to the shoot-out because I have not publically published much about it other than a few comments in various posts.  The shoot-out as I called it, basically consisted of a comparison of primarily four amplifiers in my system over a period of about 2 years, along with a couple of other amps I did not consider contenders because they simply could not hang with the primary four.  You can see a picture of three of the four amplifiers on my system page under the title, "you can never have enough power"

In short, the amplifiers included Ncore NC1200 monos, Lamm M1.2 monos, Clayton M300 monos and a McCormack DNA-2 LAE stereo amplifier upgraded to Signature status by SMc Audio.  The Claytons remain in my system.

Mitch2, Can you share a link to your amp shootout?

Bill, I think the AQUA designation is La Scala III that incorporated the Optologic from the Formula, an upgrade from II to III is available for $1000, the difference in retail, very fair. 

mitch2 - Regarding your interest in the Aqua Formula and LaScala DACs, they just announced a new 'LaScala II Optologic' which is the latest version at $6,600 US. It now uses the R2R Optologic DAC technology developed for their Formula DAC.

Have Metrum's Adagio DAC/preamp burning-in over here.  I have been pretty happy with their Pavane but the thought of an all-in-one DAC/preamp with volume control was interesting to me.  The volume is implemented similar to (the same as?) the ODSE in that it adjusts the reference voltage while the signal comes straight from the dacs.  

In addition to the ability to function as a preamp, the number of dacs is doubled over the Pavane as is the overall voltage.  There are dual outputs so I am able to also drive my sub from the DAC/preamp and the outputs are adjustable to either 0 or -10 dB.  At 0dB the output is 6/3 Volts RMS for XLR and rca outputs, respectively.  Very early impressions are of excellent drive, clarity and naturalness (as with all Metrum DACs).  I will be interested to hear, after this has burned in for awhile, whether my zero-gain, buffered, SMc preamp with the tantalum resistors will sound a bit more "fleshed-out and romantic" even if the resulting sound may be slightly less precise.  If that is the case, the question will be whether there is an advantage (over the Pavane) to keeping the Adagio and running the signal through the preamp.   They say there is no detriment to that set-up, sort of like the choice to run the ODSE through a preamp or not, as several reviewers have done.   The trick with these high resolution pieces is to provide the resolution and drive while maintaining the musicality.

It would be great to have a few contenders in one place to try as I did with my recent amplifier shoot-out.  It seems that is the best way to really get to the heart of the differences.  In particular, if I had my wish I would have Aqua's Formula (probably more than I would want to spend) and their LaScala (already tried it and preferred the Pavane but it was close), as well as a solid representative from Lampizator.  My only trial with Lampizator was a couple of years ago with the L4G4, which I thought had an overblown soundstage and somewhat overly loose/ripe bass.  That and the somewhat DIY appearance of their units at that time were turn-offs for me.  They have come a long way with their newer units.

Lampi Atlantic is killer value for money. Will beat many more expensive Dacs  out there. Just saying.

I agree with Charles. I have heard those two side by side at a store when a customer was in with the Schitt to hear the differences. I listened via the Audeze LCD-3's, which I enjoy and know well.  I found the Codex to be more accurate, better staging and imaging.  I feel that listening with can's give you a great idea of detail, both micro and macro, but not as good at sound staging.  I'm very very surprised the Codex got so hot.  I'm in shock actually.  Did you ask the dealer about this?  I've used the Codex well in excess of 20 times at many dealers as well as in friends systems. I have many who own one and not one have said they run THAT hot.  Not taking anything away from the Schitt as I know there are many who love the company.  I always enjoyed their designers products when they were with their other companies years ago, so again not taking anything away from them.  To my ears the Codex is the best under 5k or so DAC I've listened to and I"ve heard many of them out here.  Again, JMHO and that's why there are so many companies who are making equipment.  We all listen for different things and all equipment reacts differently with other gear.  How many times have we listened to something and loved it, but got it in our systems and it just didn't work?  

This is why Matt always talks about what's in HIS system when he reviews for everyone. There have been so many DAC's sold because of this thread and they aren't all Empirical as Matt has loved (I bought one and loved it).  

Psickerson, 
There’s no better comparison between products than having both in your system side by side. I do recognize that all rendered opinions are subjective and only reflect individual taste. No question some will choose the Yggy rather than the Ayre. The converse is also true. You are fortunate to have a direct comparison.
Charles,

I listened to the Arye codex on my system.

Besides the codex being so hot you cannot touch it,  the yggy was far superior.  

I also did not need a DAC that also wears multiple hats.

The yggy is warm if left inside a cabinet by the codex is dangerously hot.  I was able to bring it home from the dealer for an in house demo.

Looks like digital is really coming of age. So many great products out or coming-out.  The irony is that some companies are offering outstanding products, but are working on ref gear that isn't even out yet.  It's almost the opposite of releasing your ref gear first and doing the trickle down effect.  Seems like companies are working out the bugs etc.. on moderately priced gear and then upping the ante.  We all win either way.

I just demoed the Merging Technologies Nadac in my system for a few days. It's an Ethernet based DAC and sounds amazing. Very smooth and detailed with outstanding dynamics, great bottom end and absolutely no typical etched digital sound. Very analog like. 

Guys, I have to believe that the new Lampi Atlantic is in the mix.  PCM is handled R2R while DSD, as I understand it, utilizes the proprietary passive method used in GG (no FPGA or off the shelf chip).

heard the whole line of CH gear up in NH and I hated it.  I don't love Wilson's to begin with, but they were the worst match up that's for sure.  

I am loving the QX5.  Have heard it a couple of times now and am waiting on mine.  I did hear the optical conversion that we are all talking about in Tampa last week. It was only on the Codex using Audeze LCD 2's and the EL8's (not my favorite can, lol) and also my Noble Savant's (the most neutral IEM/can I've heard to date, but not a bass head IEM, lol) and the sound was outstanding.  I was so impressed with this connection.  It used a hand made LPS (not as good as Empirical's I'm sure) on the end switch and I was blown away at how quiet it was.  It just sounded right.  

I think that like anything else, ti's all about sending the best signal to the DAC or preamp.  Matt started this thread with concern only about redbook.  Of course we are all over the place, but it's still about finding out the top DAC (for Matt) for redbook.  I feel strongly that the Ayre QX-5 needs to be put into the mix with Steven's new OSDX (based on the thoughts on one of you feeling it's the best DAC you've had in your system and you've had some of the best as well as most expensive).  I think based on your hearing, there are probably only a select few that are the 'best sounding DAC for Redbook'.  

My take away from this thread is:

1. Best Redbook DAC
2. Best server/streamer solution going into 'this' DAC
3. Best connection for the server/streamer
4. Best software for YOUR DAC/Server solution as all are different

What have I missed other than cabling and power cords and wood blocks as feet vs anything else as feet, lol.

CH Precision demo was a disappointment. I fed it via Mac Mini optimised with 12V DC supply and SSD inc Audirvana. The C1 sounded too bright and edgy in the treble region for my tastes. Some smooth tracks sounded very good, but way too many AIFFS were too digital and harsh to enjoy as real music IMO. Maybe it sounds better inc the D1 but that takes it up anther 20K!

Keep looking....

Hi Guido- I currently use a Levinson 512 for SACD, but also have a Rowland Aeris Dac, and it's fantastic, however, even more (very slightly) pure and natural sounding to my ears is my newest addition- the Reimyo DAP-999EX Limited dac, and I have done several close comparisons between the two.  Girlfriend has great ears, and she also preferred the Reimyo in a double-blind test.  It's close, but the edge on purity goes to the Reimyo.  

However it's not that easy though- the more I listen to the Aeris, I realize that perhaps it has a more 'complete' control of all frequencies equally with even tighter bass and a simply wonderful complete 'overall' cohesive sound.  So perhaps I give the nod to Aeris as the overall winner, but for certain types of music, the Reimyo is unequivocally superior to my ears, and completely addictive- there is a dare I say a slightly more analog purity to it even over the Aeris (again, on certain types of music), with a complete stripping away of any electronic artefacts.  **Caveat- source comparison is only redbook cd, on a highly modified 47 Labs Flatfish transport, with Oceallia OCC spdif (BNC) digital cable.  

That being said, I have not yet delved into computer audio, so the Aeris with good 24/192 files and a decent music server I am sure will be great, and perhaps the better overall choice, however for spining redbook cd's as source, the nod goes to the Reimyo. The build quality and solidity of the Aeris dac is fantastic, and Rowland gear is Rolex-type audio jewellery (loved my old Concentra).  This is why the (somewhat 'lighter-weight') Reimyo DAP-999EX Limited dac took me completely by surprise.  Both of these dacs are superb, and don't have me longing (quite yet) for the 'panacea' that DSD may provide?  Redbook well implemented can still be completely satisfying- kudos to Jeff Rowland and Reimyo for designing two such superb components...

+1 on ctsooner's post. While many Yggdrasil owners want to believe that it's the best DAC in existence, in the real world it provides a good value but is not in the same league with some of the other uber-DACs being discussed on this thread. As long as owners are happy with it that's great, but proclaiming that no DAC at any price can beat it seems a bit optimistic.

lxgreen, I'm sure the Yggy is a nice DAC, but you really need to go out and listen to the DAC's being discussed in this thread before making the statement that nothing will beat the Schitt at any price.  Sorry, but there are many in this thread alone that clobber the Schitt DAC.  Honestly, I have heard it in the same system at the same time as the Ayre Codex for 1800 and the Codex was the winner to every one of us in the store and that included the owner who bought the Codex.  I can promise you that the Empirical Audio DAC's are in a different league. I'm not trying to be argumentative, but you need to go listen to other DAC's in order to make that statement I think.  It's all good.  Glad that you love your DAC and steamer though.  That's awesome.