Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

My experience with the Evolution Acoustics MM3 speaker taught me that a truly statement level world class speaker can have limitations if put into a room that doesn't suit its size; like putting a big block V8 in a Porsche 911. So my search started with creating a list of every top tier speaker I could think of that would properly fit and integrate into my 15x18.5x9 foot room. I then set out a plan to hear every damn one of them. The list was long and had some really eclectic speakers on it. I slowly worked my way down.

I have been listening for a while now. All the audio stores in Manhatten now know me and I have heard probably 20 or so top speakers. A major reason I have been going to all the shows is to hear what they have to offer.

I have narrowed down to three strong contenders. Very very different in method but all create the closest thing I have heard to totally immerse me in my music. It's interesting that two of my three options were not even on my initial list. Hansen was introduced to me when I went to listen to another brand and Perfect8 was discovered at THE Newport show where they really took my breath away. Each of the 3 seams to be amazing overal performers but each does have its own special flare and signature.

1) Hansen - Dragon Legend E
2) Marten - Coltrane Tenor
3) Perfect8 - The Point

I currently have a pair of Hansen The Prince E speakers on loan in my room, and I have arranged to borrow a pair of Marten Coltrane Tenors to directly compare the two in my room at the same time. I'd love to get The Point in also and do a three way final shootout, but I don't think that's going to be possible.....

I'll keep you posted.

Please list the other 17 spakers you ruled out...

Matt all three speakers you picked are great. I think it will boil down to how well they mate with your equipment as well as your room. If you feel so inclined, you can describe the differences each bring to the table.

Matt, as you know I have liked the Hansen's when I've heard them in the past. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on the Marten's. I have heard their little brother as they were on my short list when I got my Vandy Treo;s as I found a used pair that I could have extended for and put off other purchases. I need to get down to NJ to visit and hear your Perfect 8's. I have never heard them before and like everyone else, I like to keep up and know what's out there. Those 12k Vapors are also on my wanting to hear list.

This is my list. It includes the speakers I put on my initial list of reference speakers that fit in my 15x18.5x9 foot room that I set out to hear, plus others that were not on my list but I was introduced to by friends or stores, or heard at shows. I did, obviously, not include the three finalists I listed above. I counted, and the list is closer to 35. Oops. And I might have forgotten a few, although I don't think so.

* - at dealer or friends house, properly set up
+ - at a show with a good setup
*+ - both

*+ Focal - Utopia Scala V2
*+ Wilson - Alexia
*+ Magico - Q3 & S5
*+ YG - Sonja 1.2 (without the bottom sub)
*+ Polymer - MKS-x
* Zellaton - Stage
+ Martin Logan - Neolith
* Peak Consult - Kepheus
* Kharma - Exquisite Midi S
*+ Rockport - Avior
* Estelon - XA
+ Kyron - Kronos complete system
*+ Kaiser - Kawero
+ Vandy - 7 mark 2
+ Von Schweikert - VR-55
+ Dynaudio- Evidence Platinum
*+ Kef - Blade
*+ Sonus Faber - Lilium/Stradavaria/Amati Futura
*+ TAD - Compact Reference
+ Scaena - The new one with the smaller woofer and 8 driver array.
+ Raidho - All of them. Don't like any but D1
*+ Lawrence Audio - Cello & Double Bass
* Joseph Audio - Pearl 3
+ Tidal - Contriva G2
+ Vivid - G1 & G2
* Stenheim - Alumine 3 way
+ Sadurni - Staccato horns
*+ Avantgarde - Duo Mezzo
+ Acapella Audio - Cellini
+ Audiomachina - Maestro S
*+ Tannoy- Kingdom Royal
+ JBL Synthesis - 1000
Heard just at shows and got enough to know "yes or no" but don't remember the model - Nola, Lansche, Eggleston, Meridian, Legacy

I have heard other speakers like : Langerton, USA Tube, Tyler, Westlake, Vapor, etc but the models I heard were too big for my room, so I didn't include them on my primary list.

I'm happy to share opinions on any of them.