Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

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.

Andrew,
I took a chance on aquiring theTripoint Troy based on the overwhelming enthusiasm at AE, well they sure hit the bull's-eye on that one. I strongly suspect that crowd would love Trenner Friedl speakers if given the exposure to their sound. I am interested to see how the TF ISIS works out in Matt's specific room environment, you just don't know how these things will turn out. I believe that in the right situation and under the proper circumstances they are some of the better "realistic" sounding speakers available. So many variables determine an outcome.

The Dynaudio Consequence Ultimate's are in my garage. Arrived today to fanfare and hooplah, well, i was excited. The MM3's have left the building. I just hope they make a safe trip to their new temporary home.

Now I am waiting to hear from my trusty moving company to see when they can send over their standard two big guys to help me get these 250 pound each baby's into my listening room in the basement. The wait will kill me. I'm hoping Monday or Wednesday.....

I also touched base with Bob from Profundo about the Isis. They should be shipping out next week. Keep your fingers crossed everyone, and by 2 weeks from today I should have both set up and trying them out. Yay.

Is anyone else coming to RMAF? I'd love to walk around with some of you guys, and/or meet up after for dinner and drinks. Maybe NFS will be there and we can hang and listen and drink some good wine....

Charles, the AE crew are off the chain in their OCD pursuits. Most of us just don't inhabit that atmosphere. I tip my hat to them.

I too am intrigued to see where Matt ends up. I think he has two very good options on the docket. Organic sound with real life dynamics and speed is the holy grail. Too often you have either one or the other.