Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

08-11-14: Mattnshilp
Thanks Melbguy1, for bringing up a nice option. I'm sure some readers will definitely look into the SCD-025 with your suggestion. What is the retail?

08-11-14: Bill_k
Matt - I couldn't find confirmed US pricing but the SCD-025 sells for £16,500 in the UK which converts to ~$27,700 US.

YW Matt, here is a link to the VA price list in Euro's (current as at July, 2014); http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CEEQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dptrade.it%2Flistini%2Flistino_vitusaudio.pdf&ei=tA3pU-ijCpa48gWZ8YKABg&usg=AFQjCNEqxRO7wHh4QqYA59FfbJjhTT8gPg&bvm=bv.72676100,d.dGc&cad=rja. The SCD-025 is currently $19,000EUR with VAT which equates to around $25,500USD. The SCD-025 is currently the Signature Series dac. As Hans recently told me, they designed the SCD-025 essentially as a full Signature Series dac with a drive, albeit a heavily modified Phillips Pro 2 LF! And its fully modular architecture also permits the player to be converted to a Signature Series dac (minus drive) if VA release such a product in future, and indeed it has been designed with this possibility in mind. Also should updated modules become available in future, the player can be updated in the field by a competent audio engineer.

Btw, the earlier mentioned Vitus RD-100 is an absolutely terrific bargain at $9,500EUR (approx $12,713USD). It has true analogue inputs (no conversion to digital) and Vitus's relay-based volume control. It is also designed with a modular architecture like the Signature Series making it future proof.

Thanks Grannyring, I enjoy your post too, your post was a valid answer for sure.

Melbguy1, I converted the $16,500 Euros to u.s. dollars, Thanks for the complete correction of the full retail of the SCD-025, cheers

Just to clarify my previous post on the cost of the Vitus SCD-025, the 16,500 quoted was specified in GBP (British Pounds, not Euros.)

I heard the Vitus RD-100 (dac + balanced line stage) while back in MN in a SOTA dedicated room fronted by Rockports, etc. Very good piece. Not as good as the Brinkman table but very good. MSRP is $14,000.

I received my Lampi L7 last Wed and am burning it in. Best digital I have owned or heard to date. Both PCM and DSD are sublime, but DSD reproduction takes it over the top. My previous reference point was the Light Harmonics DaVinci (albeit in a show setting). This is a true conversion experience for me in that I have always felt digital fell short (despite it being my primary medium). Paradoxical I know.

It takes about 30,000 hours to fully burn in, so I will report back then....