Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Try the Chord DAVE. 

CT- PM me and I will email both you and Matt together. Matt has my email address.

Your goal is to have quality, simplicity, reliability and versatility.

Fiber optic is just an alternative to wired Ethernet. It is much cheaper than moderate priced ethernet cable and it provides galvanic isolation. Like your power lines the Ethernet cable carries other currents that mess up digital electronics, especially the DAC clocks. The switch power supplies are part of this issue.

In your situation, wireless will not have enough range to reliably drop two or more floors. Wireless will limit high resolution files both DSD and PCM. Optical can run adjacent to electrical cable, whereas low voltage cables need to be 18" away, depending on local code. When they cross ideally they would cross at perpendicular angles.

Second option is to have two independent systems: Comcast provides two accounts: two modems and two independent networks. While this may decrease certain noise perse, you would give up versatility and create some redundancy. Although two NAS systems would provide some backup.

To run cable would not be too expensive and you can find someone to do it for you for reasonable price. In your situation, I sense you are running dedicated power. I would run fiber down to your listening room. From there the options are many and easily changed when needed--especially important as digital audio is rapidly evolving.

A newer NAS (not my generation NAS) has the advantage of negating the need of a server or separate CORE processor running ROON. I however do not see a sonic advantage at the moment since your NAS is a large source of electrical pollution. I am also researching HQPlayer and if that program will process files then use UPnP/DNLA type protocol. I am uncertain if a ROON>HQPlayer will process then send by RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport) codec to RAAT capable Ethernet units. My understanding thus far- HQ player will process (by server) and send by USB to a USB dac only. For clarity ROON, RAAT and HQ Player are new to me.

Does the new EMM dac have Ethernet?

I’d rather not distract from the overall thread. I will post any valuable and succinct solutions when appropriate.

There are currently only 4 DAC’s that I would love to hear in my room: DCS Rossini, Trinity DAC, Dual Mono TotalDAC and the Chord DAVE.  If anyone has the ability to help me hear any of these in my listening room please let me know. 

I am going to do some research on the Ethernet solution. I look forward to Ketcham’s email as well. I asked Steve of Empirical Audio and he said that "I just open Jriver and select audio and its there. Nothing more to do".

Regarding the Chord DAVE, it is reported to be exceptional with PCM possibly even setting a new standard regarding its natural recovery of depth and decay. However its performance level with DSD is not at the same level, and to maximize its sound quality requires a reboot of the DAC which takes about 20 seconds. So playlists with a combination of PCM and DSD files are not well suited to optimal playback with the DAVE DAC. For users with all PCM files it may be the ultimate DAC solution.

Ketch, I wasn't able to send a PM.  Didn't see how. Matt is sending my phone and email. Thanks. Looking forward.

I've heard the DCS stacks a few times in various systems.  They were very very good. I liked the Trinity a lot when I've heard it.  Better than the Berk Ref for me by a fair amount, but the system I heard it in was exceptional and set up properly in a great room.  Heard DAVE in the city and it was good, but I hated the speakers (over 100k I think) and that ruined it, but I could tell the DAC was very good and a top contender.  Can't wait for the AyreQX5/twenty, but that's still only their mid level so I'll take that into consideration.  I'm expecting a lot, but I can't see it in the same ball park as the OSDX.  I should have just kept the OSDE and begged Steve to do the upgrade for me, lol.  Didnt' think he would.  Live and learn.