Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

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

Single box better???  No, not at all.  My Empirical Audio and server sounded much better than any one box I've ever heard.  I'll be very honest right now and I know I'm not the only one who feels this year, but I like the sound of the Empirical with my current server better than the DCS Rossini. I'm not a DCS fan, but I'm familiar with many of the CD players or CD players with digital inputs and none of them have sounded as good as many of the DAC's I've heard.  The Krell was out in 2012 and maybe earlier.  It's very dated right now.  The Ayre QX5 is using a chip that hasn't even been fully released to others yet and it got custom filters just for Ayre.  The ODSE/SE I just sold is unreal and the soon to be released ODSX will be THAT much better I'm sure.  Bricasti M1 SE is also updated and outstanding.  There are way too many great sounding DAC's in all price ranges.  As for servers, there are the custom made ones that fix all the problems that CD players have had. Sorry, just can't buy into a CD player right now.

BTW, I have heard that Krell on many occasions and never was able to warm up to it, but that's my ear.  I'm happy that you love it and will never want for any other digital again.

I'm sure you have had success ctsooner, but I can't afford more $4K power cords or $12K interconnects.  If I'm missing anything it most likely isn't musical information....any more atmosphere and low level detail will put me on the level of Quantum Music!  Growing up I was enthralled with a Sansui Receiver, Bozak speakers and a Garrard/Sure source lashed up with zip wire!  I'm definitely good to go.  Happy listening:)

Dave, I get it, I really do, but when did I ever mention cables that cost that much?  Also, this whole thread is about the BEST sounding redbook DAC not which 12k CD player is nice.  As for detail, you have to have detail and it needs to be delivered in proper time in order to get the best sound. Again, that's the whole premise of the thread.  I was and am not trying to be snarky in any way.  I appreciate great sounding systems that aren't costly, but you referenced a 12CD player that is 3k more than my new Ayre QX5 and it doesn't do nearly as much.  

I had two posters here ask me what your post meant and what you are trying to say. I'm not sure I know either. not trying to be difficult, just trying to understand your point in context to what Matt has been posting about.  Thanks.

Sorry...not really trying to force any particular point, other than I have found a single box player with really good power delivery, ancillaries and interconnects can give you world class sound.  I do understand however that the world has moved on from CD's....for that I have a digital module in my amp.  Most of my music has been collected over decades and represents a vast array of material that is no longer available...certainly not as a digital download.  My main system is for serious listening only anyway....no background crap or social schmultz!