Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Mitch2, the Aqua LaScala MkII DAC is a very unique design which I've been unable to audition. Your comments on its performance would be very much appreciated. Good listening!

Mitch2, yes I am talking about the Regen by Uptone Audio.
No, it is not "just a reclocker". I am trying to see if one of the designers would be willing to answer your question by posting on this thread.

Yes, I have one in my system and I am very impressed by the improvement in the quality of the sound vs the price of the Regen. That is why I HIGHLY recommended it for everyone to check it out. My understanding is if you try it and are not satisfied you can return it for a refund of your money (though please confirm that with Alex at Uptone). As far as I know no one has returned one yet.

Here is a link were John Swenson explains some of his work behind the Regen. Post #481

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/index20.html

Mitch2, here is another link to check out about the Regen.

Post #389

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f10-music-servers/uptone-audio-regen-22803/index16.html#post417237

Thank you Hifial. I am certainly not opposed to trying something that only costs me $175, especially if it is made for USB connections, which is how I connect my server to my DAC. I will look into this further.

Bill K, the LaScala is here and making beautiful music. Very early impressions are;
1. Good drive, throughout most of the frequency range and particularly in the mid-bass,
2. The treble is clear, smooth, and is just to the good side of "reticent,"
3. Absolutely beautiful midrange with spot-on tonality, not just because it is smooth sounding but because it sounds real, like you are at a show, or like the singer is in your room, and
4. A touch of softness and maybe a slight lack of focus/definition in the bass...

This is a DAC that will be killer for those who value midrange warmth and bloom....sounding a bit like analogue. This DAC will be a friend to those many less than stellar quality recordings out there.

These are first impressions after only a few hours of warm-up, although the "demo" unit came to me already burned in. I am listening through the SMc Signature DNA-2 LAE amp and associated (almost-VRE) preamp, and will switch to the AI Atsah amps this weekend. I can certainly understand why Srajan and Darko liked this DAC so much. More to come.