Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I just installed Path Audio resistors in my crossover and so far I am very pleased. I think they make resistors for speakers only. High wattage rating, 10 watt, resistors in lower speaker values only. I am not 100% sure however.

I have not heard or used Khozmo attenuators, but love Shallco stepped attenuators here in the US. They use silver contacts and are very high quality. Many suggest they are a step over the Khozmo. The Vishay Z Foils would be very good indeed. They are very resolving and clean. It all depends what you are after. I would most likely use Shinkoh resistors as they are more musical to my ears. They are richer, warmer and still deliver plenty of resolution. If absolute transparency is what you are after, then the Z Foil TX 2575 is the champ.

Forgot to mention Glasshouse stepped attenuators as they are also better and can get very expensive. Hifi Collective sells them. Both of these are better than the K based on my research over the past year.

I can tell you these top flight stepped attenuators make a big difference in preamps. If the current Attenuator is an Alps or some other pot, then this upgrade will be a revelation.

I would also build it as a shunt type of stepped Attenuator.

guido,

i use both usb (Mac mini via audivarna) and coax (cec tl3n transport) straight into 45 tube set amp using high fidelity ct-1 interconnects then into teresonic lowther speakers. it's the best sound I've ever had, the rebook through the aeris is better than the hi-res i've heard on other dac's. as some reviewers have pointed out, the volume control can be tricky going straight into amp, it happens to match my setup though.

Thank you Nickolas, what audible differences have you experience on Aeris between the USB connection and the SPDIF connection?

What challenges have some reviewers found with managing Aeris volume directly into amps? In my system, I attenuate the DAC down to zero volume, and then gradually dial up to comfortable level... The 1dB resolution works well for my Rowland M925 monos.

G.

Nickolas,
That's a very nice system you have developed. It must sound quite natural.