Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Not sure which one Matt had in.  I think he probably had the DX.  Not sure if it was the 2.0 or not. I heard the DS as that's more in line with the price range I have to look at.  

@dgarretson- I've had a MusicVault (or more correctly) MusicVaults for about 5 years.  Worked my way up through the line to a Pearl or Emerald(or maybe a hybrid, I can't remember).  Anyways I'm very happy w it.  I heard the Antipodes once in a totally unfamiliar system so there is no way I can compare the two, but I will tell you that Neal is very easy to work with and very responsive.  He will even log onto your device to help you out.  Because the MusicVault is a modified Windows computer it can easily be upgraded with additional storage, newer OS or better output devices. Neal has been very helpful in making recommendations in that regard; once even telling me that an upgrade I was trying to order would offer no benefits.  

@dgarretson- I've had a MusicVault (or more correctly) MusicVaults for about 5 years.  Worked my way up through the line to a Pearl or Emerald(or maybe a hybrid, I can't remember).  Anyways I'm very happy w it.  I heard the Antipodes once in a totally unfamiliar system so there is no way I can compare the two, but I will tell you that Neal is very easy to work with and very responsive.  He will even log onto your device to help you out.  Because the MusicVault is a modified Windows computer it can easily be upgraded with additional storage, newer OS or better output devices. Neal has been very helpful in making recommendations in that regard; once even telling me that an upgrade I was trying to order would offer no benefits.  

Thanks for sharing Swamp.  So you are saying that we could send it back to have it upgraded as Windows upgrades?  I keep hearing that Windows doesn't sound as good as other OS's....I assume that would affect his player wouldn't it?

Ctsooner, you can actually tell a lot about which equipment is "better" for your tastes by going to the shows.  Any seasoned audiophile will be able to pick out traits that they like/dislike.  For example, I heard sibilance at CES from the Dynaudio wireless/active/digitally amped $11k speakers that I couldn't live with, and I don't need them to send a pair to my house.  I'm 100% positive that same sibilance would be there in my home.  

Obviously, not everything you hear will translate 100% to your home, but most things will unless you have gross differences in room interactions or speaker/amp mismatches.

Unless you do scientifically compliant DBT, almost all evaluations are going to have an anecdotal and subjective aspect anyway...whether it's in your home or a show.  The best part about the show is that they are all using roughly the same room and power source...plus you get to talk to the designer and understand more about their goals as well as any particular nuances about the show sound (i.e. they will often tell you about certain bass room modes that they couldn't tame with show supplies).

Ironically, my friend went to RMAF and bought an entire room of equipment because he liked the sound.  It didn't suddenly sound different in his home.  

If we're talking about a server, I'm not sure how it would perform any different at a show versus at home.  Nevertheless, you're right.  If you can A/B demo something in your home, that's ideal.  Thus, if you didn't hear anything better from the Antipodes in your system, then that's great.  You're saving yourself a nice amount of $$$.  Enjoy...