Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Thanks guys. Got to spend about 2hrs with just my dad and two siblings yesterday. I don't think he'll be there in a few hours when we go back. Family flying in from CT today and daughter in from Univ of New Hamp also. Purple heart from WW2 and just a stand up guy. Started in audio when we went to a local dealer at age 9. All Pioneer gear when it was decent. I just tuned up that TT for my brother and it still works, lol.

Matt, thanks, I'll call when I can. I want in on this server deal, but like we said, until more companies get involved the costs will stay very high. That's why I went the mac mini route properly done. I went to a few dealers and they too are kind of waiting on better servers at lower costs. I think we cold see the choices double or more over the next year. My concern is that many of these units will still be the all in one deals. That's going to be great for folks who's systems don't need dedicated servers. I wan to hear what Linn has done as I know they have a few and I'd also love to hear what Naim has done as I haven't heard Naim gear in over 20 years.

Ctsooner, you will be in my thoughts. I lost my Dad over the Christmas holidays and he was career Army/National Guard. It is a tough time, even when they are older. I was impressed with the quality of friends and comrades that showed up to pay respects. For me, the military honors were special as they reminded me of the sacrifices made by those who serve to keep us safe, and how proud of them we should be.

On audio topics, I remain interested in servers and I am where you are with a dedicated tricked out Mojo Mac mini, with external linear PS, external AV drive, internal SSD, 5V USB power isolation (do not use power from the mini), and filtered USB. I am currently looking hard at Antipodes but I agree the better/best servers seem expensive for what they are (basically computers). The main benefits of the best servers, like Antipodes, over our minis seem to be running the Linux OS, a few optimizations of noise that are not feasible with the mini (no fan, etc.), and better isolated USB outputs. I have not jumped yet for the same reason as you, because pricing is likely to come down, and sound quality up, as manufacturers figure out what folks want and how to best deliver it. I would like to see a really good server made in the USA and the main options I am aware of are the Baetis and CAPS servers.

As you guys explore and hear options, it would be nice to have an active thread dedicated to servers. I started one in August titled, "State of the Source: Server, computer....or what? and while a few folks provided input it eventually fizzled out for lack of interest.

Hi audioengr, Hi Steve, I was hopeing that you would give some thought's about what I have been asking about here in the last few post, please give your opinion's, thankyou.

AL - It is certainly possible to build such a server/DAC, but good SQ is expensive. Lots of isolation and separate power supplies required.

I'm not in the computer assembly business. I think my new Ethernet interface goes a long way to make the server a non-issue.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Steve, what isolator? What does it do? Is that something that we should all be looking at IRT our mac mini servers? Thanks so much for the help and thoughts in this thread.