EMM Labs DAC6

Gary, I don't know either, but I had mine for three weeks when the Phillips went down. I suspect we probably need a thousand hours.

Fiddler, I had an AN DAC4.1x Sig. with the new interface transformers. I also had the Zanden 3000 MkII and the Lindemann D680 which I used as a transport. Several friends and I thought it was difficult to choose between the dacs, probably because the philosophies are so alike. Then we used the Lindemann for cds. It was every bit as good as the two dacs. I have since gotten the DAC6 and have enough time break in to learn that its conversion of PCM into DSD makes cds sound better than what we heard on the Lindemann, AN, or Zanden.

Sacds are better yet on the Meitner, but I remain unconvinced as to whether it is better than the Lindemann. I should be able to make this judgment once I get my Phillips back and put some more break in on the Meitner.

Tbg.... your transport is covered under warranty isn't it?. I have had my transport for about six weeks it has been flawless so far.

Baby that transport; let CDs seat both when turning on and off.

Interestingly enough Norm is the only person that I am aware of that has has all the major CD/SACD contenders in his system at one time or another, most recently the Accustic Arts Drive 1, the Lindemann d680 and the Meitner. He has also tried many of the price is no object power cords and AC line filters. The problem with any comparison is that each of these units a well as the AudioNote and Zanden is very sensitive to AC and mechanical vibration. In the case of the Lindemann, the performance is highly dependent on the power cord, AC line filter and vibration control used and can vary greatly depending on these variables. Hopefully Norm will speak to what he has found works optimally for the Meitner and the Lindemann and how they compare in various areas.