Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Sorry to have missed you Matt.  There are a few of us in the NJ area who can get there within a few hours drive. We should try and set up a get together one of these days.  Even if we did it on a Sunday, I'm sure I could get Johnny to open the shop for us all to play. We could bring in gear that we'd want to listen to together etc...  I had an eye opening day yesterday. Not the forum for it, but I'll try and put together a new thread on my thoughts of listening and why I'm so sensitive to upper mid ringing.  Got to hear the Romulus and was impressed to say the least.  Very very good CD/DAC, however I've been told the new Eclipse is a KILLER.  Some of you guys got to hear it at Audio Connection last week.  I'd like to hear more of it vs all the new DAC's coming out. I know that the Ayre DAC being worked on will be special.  I may have to call Alex to find out more if he's willing to share ;)...We can keep it just between us all, lol.  Now that some of you will get Steve's new DAC, it's going to be interesting as I expect it to go head to head vs the DCS, EMM and all the other reference DACs on the market.  The little Codex DAC/Headphone amp from Ayre is a KILLER in it's price range.  I feel that it's the best under 4 or even maybe 5k DAC's I've listened to. I've heard it as a DAC and headphone amp (Yes, I'm into head fi too) and it's just a jaw dropping buy IMHO.  Lot's of new goodies hitting or about to hit.  I'm sure this thread will just keep meandering for us all to enjoy. Thanks so much Matt.

Hi all. 

Word is that the new Emm DA2 DAC should be arriving late January. Yay! 

The YFS server is probably going to arrive just after New Year so I’ll compare it to the N10 Aurender then and post comments. 

I am trying to pursue access to a DCS Rossini to compare to the Emm DA2 once it’s broken in. 

And BigKidz was nice enough to respond and offered bringing his DAC to my place to let it shine. I’m very curious to see how it will compare to my prized ODSE!

I am watching the build of the European Sound Galleries Music Server with great interest as well. 

John from Audio Connection was kind enough to offer the Eclipse Romulus to audition. I'm all over that as what I heard briefly impressed me. 

For those potentially interested, my Vienna Acoustics Die Muzik speakers are still available and for sale. 

I purchased a new Electrocompaniet EMC1mk3 spiner for SACD playback, just to have something decent for the few SACD’s I own. And a second Adona rack which should be coming any day. I also got a Plasmatron, and will hook that up when the rack arrives and will report on that as well. 

Lots doing.

Way to go Matt, lol.  Got to spend a lot of time with the regular Rom the other day and could tell that it has a TON of potential.  I just love all the Aesthetix stuff.  If I didn't have my Ayre gear I have a feeling I'd have an all Aesthetix set up.  

Hi matt,  I for one look forward to your impressions of the Romulus eclipse player, did you get one with the volume control? , I've been told that the volume control is implemented quite well,  I understand that you are a pre-amp fan, however,  a comparison with this product is justified and appreciated, thankyou Matt for your contribution to audiogon. 

Matt, I will keep you posted on the Sound Galleries server and if you are real serious, I will try to arrange a demo unit for you. They are great pals of mine and they keep me up to date on the happenings regularly. You know how to reach me if you need any other info that I can help with. I will be in the US for 2 weeks over the Xmas break. Not sure if I make it to your neck of the woods this trip though...