Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I'm not decided until they are in my room, properly set up and blow me away. I hold final reports until the Ultimate's are settled and well burned in. I also am looking forward to the T&F Isis arriving to do a direct in room shoot out of those 2 amazing speakers. I feel like I'm coming close to a final decision though.

I, honestly, haven't really given much analytical thought to the M1. Once the Ultimate's are set up and I get their flavor I will compare the 2 dac's. I've been dying to do a comparison, but without a speaker I am familiar with I felt a dac comparison wouldn't be accurate and a valid report. I want my reports to always be reliable.

I promise that if the Ultimate's are it, or the Isis, then a comparison of a few DAC's will be imminent.

I have confirmed I will be going to RMAF all 3 days.

Anyone else going?

Asia IS Goldmund's biggest market, so not sure what you are talking about Andrew.

And money no object guys will for for the 2 Box Logos or the 3 Box Anatta.

In any case, I myself have only heard the Anatta and cold/sterile is the opposite of what I heard. However, that is a Qtr mill, no not "real world" in my book.

Wisnon and Agear - I'll do my best to hear the Goldmund when I can. I don't think it's too far fetched to believe that Goldmund has been able to accomplish true high end performance in a one box, lifestyle like package. As with all things Audiophile it just becomes a matter of their level of performance and their voicing; and if it suits the buyers needs, desire and style of listening.

These are 2 ways to get your system tuned in:
1) put in the work and effort to properly set up your room and your speakers (or pay someone to do it).
2) rely on new, SOTA, dsp solutions to put your speakers where you (or your wife) want them to fit the style of the room and leave the room as is.

Is #2 inferior to #1 ? I don't have the experience to say yes or no. But if option #1 is not possible due to WAF, room or budget restrictions than it is nice to have option #2 available for those who can afford it and want the pedrance.

Will option #2 one day guarantee better sound than option #1? Maybe. I would guess a combo of the two will yield the best results in the long run.

We shall see.

08-27-15: Charles1dad
Andrew,
If by Asian you're referencing the Audio Exotic crowd, I find them a good barometer for the "really good stuff". I don't believe the Goldmund is argeted towards their taste. I'm certain they'd reject it on being "clinical" and lacking emotion, given what they are usually drawn to.

bingo Charles. Yes, Goldmund moves a lot of boxes to wealthy lifestyle guys in Aisia, but for the folks at AE who are climbing the mountain, nope.

If Matt (or Norman) buys Goldmund and owns it for 5 years or more, I will consider it. :)

Matt, post some pics of your new speakers when you get them.