Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

BigKidz - Thank you for your generous offer. But I have my time dedicated to burning in my new ODSE and to giving Alex's DSD-S the time it deserves as he so generously offered to get the DAC to me for an honest and public evaluation. I must credit Alex for his willingness to put his kit out on the line so publicly, knowing that I will "say it like I hear it." Real time, no opportunity to stop the presses or amend the review… It speaks boat loads as to his confidence in his product and the quality and reliability of performance he expects of his own gear.

If you feel that your DHT DAC can truly "blow the other gear away" then I suggest you spend the next 30 days burning in a version of your DHT DAC with a USB input and balanced XLR outputs and then send me your DAC to audition in my current system, permitting me to report my findings to the masses as I have done so far. To be honest, if it is burned in already then I only need it for a week to get a solid feel for where it stands in relation to the other DAC's I have auditioned.

I am happy to put the time in if you are willing to accept the challange. Remember that USB from my computer is my only source, and I play almost exclusively 16/44. Although I am looking for some high res here and there since it seams to be a bit more available then it was before. But my goal is the best damn 16/44 I can get.

Alex was kind enough to provide me with some high res music so I think its worth while to start trying at least one or two songs high res just for fun...

Your call BigKidz. Put your DAC to the test and I'll be glad to report if it truly can blow away the others. My methods are very clearly presented, and multiple examples of my listening techniques and tastes are in this thread.

I am, by no means (Agear and RSF507) trying to add ANOTHER DAC to my list. My end goal is to just listen to music. But a statement as bold as BigKidz made most certainly deserves an opportunity to prove it. No?

Alex, can you please educate me?

"Analog Devices converter chips" - what does this statement mean exactly? Are you comparing PCM converted to Analog directly vs PCM to DSD to Analog? Or are you referring to Steve's "older" USB Off Ramp 5 conversion technology as compared to the XMOS USB conversion?

My technical fund of knowledge is woefully limited and I welcome any education you or Steve offer on that subject.

Thank you.

Mattnshilp,

I think when Alex speak of "Analog Devices chip", this is the name of the chip manufacturer. Kondo for example uses a chip made by Analog Devices in their DAC 5 Signature and DAC 5th Element...the 1865 chip I think?

Zanden uses the TDA 1514 double crown DAC chip, etc...

More recently, Gryphon Audio Stahl-Tek have used ESS Sabre 9018 chip, etc...

Alex - hope I got that right!

08-07-14: Bigkidz
Contact me and I will build you a DHT DAC that will blow all these away.

Send him your prototype. Ironically, in the world of digital, it is rare for one piece to "blow away" another.

Here is my sincere impression... If you decided to go with either of these top tier DAC's, you would walk away with one of the best out there and enjoy your purchase for years to come. These guys BOTH seriously know what they are doing!!! As a buyer, and a very long time enthusiast, I learned something totally new during my current system built. I used to shy away for these small, "One man show" companies and gravitate towards the big guys. These "One man show" guys usually have 4-7 other people working for them and produce top level gear for fair prices that offer way more performance for the dollar then lost of the big name labels can. It's a simply a matter of overhead and production. For those of you who are on the fence, try a Merrill Audio, Empirical, APL, Lampizator, or the many other speaker and electronic manufacturers out there that can't afford an advertising/marketing camping. You jus tight be happy you did.

That is probably the most important point made in this thread. I have always gravitated towards boutique, artisanal manufacturers. A lot the best, most cutting edge gear can be found there. There are downsides, but if you are a true blue phile in search of the ultimate SQ, its the place to be....