I am in complete agreement with Tvad and Timbrepitch. I own the Zanden and the dCS but find that I almost exclusively listen to my computer based system (Toshiba, Spoiler, Pacecar), simply because that comes still closer than the Zanden Combo (the dCS Stack is indeed "analytical") to what I perceive as the "real thing".
The best no-compromise digital options?
If we take a look at the three digital playback formats most common today (CD, SACD and DVD-A/V), what would you consider the 3 top of the line options for each format.
My thoughts would be:
CD
Zanden Model 2000P/5000S
Burmester 069
Soulution Audio 740
SACD
dCS Scarlatti
Esoteric P-01VU/G-0Rb/D-01VU
The upcoming Wadia 971/932/922
DVD-A/V
Goldmund Eidos Reference
MBL 1622A/1611F
APL Hi-Fi NWO-3.0 GO SE
My thoughts would be:
CD
Zanden Model 2000P/5000S
Burmester 069
Soulution Audio 740
SACD
dCS Scarlatti
Esoteric P-01VU/G-0Rb/D-01VU
The upcoming Wadia 971/932/922
DVD-A/V
Goldmund Eidos Reference
MBL 1622A/1611F
APL Hi-Fi NWO-3.0 GO SE