Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

So true.

Hey Matt I'm curious why no USB input on the Berkeley is a deal breaker for you? IIRC your stated goal was the best playback of redbook. If that's the case not having a USB input really doesn't matter since you could just use an SPDIF input..

I also think you should seriously consider using something other than a Mac Mini as a source. There are several units that will handily outperform the Mini.. and for not a lot of money..I'd recommend that you look into an Auralic Aries, or a Moon Mind, both out perform a Mini and both will output SPDIF (the Aries has USB and various SPDIF outs) and they're both very reasonably priced, and with either you could still use the Mini for storing your files ( although a Nas would be better)

Or if you wanted to keep things even simpler you might want to consider an Aurrender, if you wanted to go with a one box solution.

In any case I think the Mini may start to be a limiting factor in the performance of any Dac you end up with.

Ericminer - you are correct. But I'm waiting another year or so for the next generation of music servers. The current kits come SO close to ideal for me, but not quite there yet.

When I replace my Mac Mini, I'll have spdif output and can try some days I'm currently shying away from.

I wish you guys could hear what I am getting from my Mac/odse/Burmester /die Muzik system. It's on another level. And that's in a terrible room.

First- better room.
Then new server....

But all of your points are valid.

Jon - are you OK? Lol. That was an interesting set of posts. I always agree with myself also. ;)

Matt,
I am ok, man. The audiogon server went a bit whacky and i thought my first post didn't get through, so i posted a new one and so on and voila!...they ALL finally appeared together! I was agreeing with you, not myself. Lol!

Matt .. room first, agreed. I think that might be where we started.. As for waiting a year or so for the next gen of servers, well I suspect that might be like waiting for the next best of any tech.. next year there'll be next year and on and on :-)