Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Matt- why have you ruled out Playback Designs Merlot DAC?  Have Andreas Koch's products fallen behind or is the price for performance not in line with today's market?

jwm, what your post for me?  If so, I buy at dealers nearly all the time.  Every now and then I will purchase used when I know who has the products I want and can't afford otherwise.  I fully support local dealers.  I do agree that the used market has really hurt the dealer networks.

The review on Audio Stream today is a must read folks.  All about some of the posters here using optical runs, converters etc....  Had a great convo with Steve tonight and can't wait for some of you guys to start getting thoughts to keyboard on the ODSX run in ethernet mode.  Matt must be drooling about now waiting for his, lol....

Who will be at Audio Connections in Verona, NJ next Saturday the 30th for the Northeast premier of the Ayre QX5/Twenty Digital front end/DAC? They will set it up with the Vandersteen 7 mk 2 and the Ayre ref gear. Everyone is invited. Johnny Rutan who owns the place has been mentioned in the last two Stereophile articles on Jazz musicians and their systems. Just spoke to Billy Drummand who is the jazz drummer they wrote about last month will try to be there for a bit. let me know if you can make it. If so, I'm the one using a rollator (walker with wheels). Please stop by and say hello. I have the QX5 on order and can't wait. Alex from Ayre will be there to show off his new DAC. Can't wait. hope to see folks there.

Just post here if you can or may make it.

I'm hoping that Alex from Ayre will be bringing his Melco N1A NAS with him.  It will be interesting to listen to this brand new DAC, that just started to ship to dealers this week.  I'd love to meet a bunch of you guys so let me know if you can make it. Pete
 

Single box is better...get a leftover Krell Cipher for CD's...you will want for not ever again!