Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Wow what a thread, lol. So much disinformation being put out at times based on what some top designers have said. Some do get it though. No design is the be all end all, however those of us who listen to a speaker with these parameters will usually enjoy all the ones who do it well (i.e. make/design their own speakers and use TOP grade components in the overlapping xovers etc..). No it's not easy and it's expensive to do. I think that's why many designers don't go this route. For some of us, we don't care what others say about a component. We may listen and go hear something based on what is said or reviewed, however if you trust your own hearing, you will be fine no matter what you decide to get. I know Matt enough to know he does know what he's listening to, but like everyone, the more we hear the more we appreciate the difference between good and great. Ton's of good out there, but not a lot of great I don't think.

Yup. I think the Vandy 7 is It in that regard. That's what I thought.

I listenend to the Vandy 7 yesterday with Pete and John at Audio Connection. What I learned was 2 important things:

1) John is a very nice guy with an extensive fund of knowledge.
2) Getting together with audio friends I have made from the forums doesn't happen frequently enough and it's always fun and a good time. Thanks for initiating that Pete!

I'll keep all updated on my progress.

Matt

I am not aware of many except Vandersteen that meet that list of criteria. I think you are thinking in the right direction of the technologies etc that you should be evaluating. I also think there is no substitue for being able to tune the bass to your room and them place the speakrs where the imaging and soundstage are the best. BTW your new room looks great and I love the Burmester gear you have selected. IMHO a speaker must look like a piece of it blends into a home not belongs in a studio somewhere. To be able to place the speaker in a appealing location in the room that images the best and looks the best and then not need to totally fill your room with lots of room treatment is a huge plus. I was at a dealer recently that built a new sound room and there were 71 pieces of room treatment in the room. When I asked about it they said that is what it took to get there World Class speaker to sound there best. Not many of our spouses will allow that in our houses and fewer yet can afford that much room treatment.

Jeff

I have a small but strong list of front runners. I am also considering alternative options in the form of monitors with subs as needed. I have some great stuff coming in to help me learn which way to go. Varied and very different designs.

I was impressed by the technical prowess of the Vandy 7 and the low frequency extension was literally like nothing k have ever heard before. I failed to connect with them at the showroom to be honest. I would elect to bring my Veritas amps and use a tubed Audio Research pre-amp if/when I go back. I told John I will call him in a month. He was very nice and not pushy at all......

Matt if the room is that hot why not just pipe some AC in there if your room is in the basement it should'nt be a big deal?