Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

The Berkeley Reference is not an R to R DAC. It is the cheap Analog Devices AD 1955 chip.....it is a "multibit Delta Sigma DAC" Not the same at all as R to R. I think Rowland and Empirical use this DAC chip as well.

MSB has been using a discrete R to R DAC for many years....at least 10.

There is nothing cheap in cost nor performance about the Berk Ref DAC, the Rowland Aeris nor the OverDrive. I haven't heard the Berk yet, but its reputation is excellent. I'm not sure about the Aeris DAC using the AD, I'm sure Guido can comment, but I think you are correct that the AD is used in the ODSE. My ODSE can rub elbows with dacs costing several times its price and I've heard most of them. Just because it's got an R to R doesn't make it, by default, better. So much depends on implementation and design......

Did an extended comparison of the N10 and my Mac mini this morning.

Final call: N10 wider soundstage with wider image - stretched to fit the soundstage. Image accuracy suffers as a result of that smear. It's warmer then my Mac in the midrange. Not quit as extended up top. If they were ice cream I would call my Mac French Vanilla and the N10 Butterscotch.

Low frequency extension on the N10 is extended but seams slightly less taught then my Mac Mini. I felt I got a more neutral accurate portrayal of the recording through the Mac them the N10. I have to say that the N10 only has about 120-140 hours on it and it will likely open up a lot more.

Both are excellent and it's a matter of taste. There is a HUGE difference between the two in regards to use and implementation. The N10 is plug, play and enjoy. The Mac is a computer. Settings, opening software, Etc. It's not nearly as easy to use as the N10 which is a simple App on your iPad and go. That said, I do like Jriver personally. I prefer the voice and performance of my Mac Mini over the N10.

I'll report again after it gets another few hundred hours on it.

Just because it's got an R to R doesn't make it, by default, better.

If staying with the title of this thread "Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD" I think it does.

As from all I've heard, a well implemented R2R Ladder Multibit Dac whether chip or discrete, run rings around Delta Sigma and all it's variants that are said to be "the best" implementation of it also.

R2R Ladder Multibit from what I've heard gives a jump factor, lower mid body and general excitement to the music. Delta Sigma while smooth is unexciting in comparison when doing RedBook.

Cheers George

George. I disagree. But I guess we will agree to disagree.

My experience has shown me otherwise. But there's no fault in you making a stand. I just worry that others reading this thread will read that it MUST be R2R to be the best and I believe that to not be the case. There are many exceptional dacs out there that make red book sound wonderful, engaging, exciting and musical that do not implement R2R designs.

Truth is, system synergy will have everything to do with which DAC you chose. Listen and try.