Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Oh, and I guess I do need to decide which speakers are my keepers. I'll keep the suspense running for now.

Here's a suggestion, keep the Dynaudio and when you and neighbor both need a change, swap speakers.

09-25-15: Knghifi
Here's a suggestion, keep the Dynaudio and when you and neighbor both need a change, swap speakers.

Brilliant....

Matt,
Please, call me Aziz, which is actually my name :))
I have not made a detailed comparison between my DS Reference and the mac mini. I just put in the DS and was so happy with the sound that It never came up to my mind to try the mini again. Also, at that time I was so fed up with the various usability issues I had with iTunes and Audirvana, I was glad to get rid of the Mac mini and never use again. The DS was so much easier to use. Sound wise, I remember more bass extension and better soundstage. Also, it seemed at the time the DS was more revealing and I simply heard more music with the server.
Aziz

Isn't $15-$20K still DCS money these days?

If so, DCS is the only thing I have heard that I thought maybe dropping that much on if I could. And even that is a big "might". I've heard a lot of good digital on very good systems since I last sampled DCS a few years back.

I've been quite happy since for several years with mhdt DACs. I suggest anyone looking to drop big bucks on a DAC try those first. I've never a/b compared the two but both are top notch in regards to musical satisfaction based on what I have heard to-date.

Matt, I think my last post came off wrong. If so, I totally apologize. I fully understand what you are looking for. I do wish you were able to get every one of the speakers you have heard into your room to really see how they'd do. You have done so much research that by now you know what designs will be best for your situation. I admire the heck out of what you are doing to build your system. On a side note, I have had a DX in my system vs my mac mini with Steve's power supply and tweaks with all high rez cuts that are properly recorded and my mini won out in nearly all areas. The sound stage may not have been quite as big, but it's was THIS close. The bass digs deeper and tighter with the mini and the dynamics are better. I also feel the leading and trailing edges are better with the mini.

I think things are so close that it's just hard to chose and that's why I have passed for now. I'm sure soon that servers will get better and better and when they do, I'll be ready to make a switch. Thanks for doing what you are doing. it's fun to try and keep up.