Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi Matt, as the owner of a Mojo Mac mini, I agree with you that the better "audiophile grade dedicated standalone servers" improve on the sound of even a purpose-configured Mac mini server, and I respect your opinion that

"Aurender easily stands at the top of the pile (of)......full standalone music servers with renderers built in."

However, I remain curious about your audition of the Antipodes DX server.  As I remember from your posts, you didn't care at all for the sound, which so far off from what most others hear that it makes me wonder whether there were problems with the unit, stored files, or interface with the DAC you were using at the time.  

Last year, my Antipodes DX received the Generation 2 upgrade with full Roon capability.  John Darko at DAR compared the Gen 2 DX with Aurender's N100H and found,

"Antipodes Audio’s flagship DX, ....a cut above its rival in price and performance."

Dave Clark at Posi+ive Feedback said of the original (Gen 1) DX,

"I loved the sound. I mean LOVED. The Antipodes presents music with such scale and density that it is scary good. Space, presence, texture… extension, detail, resolution… absence of any, ANY, glare, grit, brightness, hardness… but a lot of nothingness between the notes and within the music. Damn. Stuff just happened. The music played… it flowed... washing over you like the waves of the sea. Engulfing you… engaging you… sweeping you away. The Antipodes brought out the best, but did not editorialize or color the sound. What was there was there, but with the better the recording, the better it sounded… and yet, poor recordings took on a higher level of sonic pleasure—the Antiopdes dug deeper into the music letting the beauty come out, regardless of the quality.....my highest recommendation."

John Atkinson, of Stereophile, reviewed the Gen 1 DX and concluded,

"Highly recommended. I said highly."

In addition to the folks listed above, others who hear lots of digital gear, such as Steve Nugent and Michael Lavorgna also really like the DX.  I have not yet seen anything less than a stellar review of the Antipodes DX, or of any Antipodes server, and my own experience is that the Gen 2 Antipodes DX is easily the best-sounding digital source I have used in my system. So, while I am not questioning your opinion, I am questioning whether there may have been a problem with the DX unit you auditioned.  If not, then I would chalk up your observations to personal preference.   The reasons for my post are to encourage you to find an opportunity to hear another (preferably Gen 2) DX server, and also to encourage the other readers of this thread that there are (at least) two top choices when considering a stand-alone server.

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/06/reference-grade-roon-with-the-antipodes-dx-gen-2/

http://positive-feedback.com/audio-discourse/audio-ramblings-the-antipodes-dx-music-server/

http://www.stereophile.com/content/antipodes-dx-reference-music-server#BTSLL31HoQZV9o0i.97

Guys, we all hear differently.  That's why many will not ever agree with what Matt likes or doesn't like.  I've heard and liked the Antipodes, but I also like the N10 too.  I need to hear the new Melco N1ZH when it comes out as to me it sounds better than the Aurender N100 (again, personal taste).  That said, I could easily live with the N10 or W20 as I like balanced input better than USB.  

I'll still put my purpose built Mac Mini with Paul Hynes LPS up against any server out there.  I don't know everything that Steve did when building the darn thing, but I bring it with me to stores on occasion or other's systems and they can't believe it.  Again, my ear.

We all post about reviews etc, but we all know that they too may or may not like things that we do.  If I was going to get a purpose built server over my Mac Mini, which I may do for ease of use eventually, I'd look at the N10 and the DX, but I'd also need to put the less expensive Melco in the mix and figure the work around if I felt I had to have Roon.  

Different strokes for different folks as this long thread has shown time again.  

I agree with you ctsooner. All of this is just opinion based on personal preference and a whole bunch of other factors that are not the same for any two of us. It is the same for professional reviewers. That is why absolute statements rarely if ever apply for all.

One thing about your affinity for computer-based servers, depending on the player used, it is easier to add your own "special sauce" and tweak the file not only with upsampling but also using EQ to adjust for the room and/or the speaker used. That is one fun aspect of using the computer. My Mojo mini does sound good and depending on player settings and source material it can come pretty close to the sound of the DX.

I've checked this thread out off and on but never posted to it, but thought I would throw my 2 cents in, just picked up a redbook only dac that's just knocked my socks off! It's an Audio Note Dac-3 Signature circa 1995. :-) Proof that newer is not always better and that a good design is just that, a good design.

Mitch2 - the DX was the demo unit from the distributor, the same one used at Axpona last year. I would assume it was in proper working condition. Always happy to hear it again. I found the N10 superior in every way. I’m not a professional reviewer so no one sends me equipment to review; I need to "acquire" pieces through begging, borrowing or buying. I’m trying to get an S1 Lumin in as well. I had borrowed an A1 and also preferred the Aurender over it.

I can only report what I hear. I have a friend who is also a manufacturer who listens with me. My opinions are mostly my own but typically are agreed with by my friend. When he and I disagree or see different advantages I try to report everything to you guys.

I can say that my system and my room are reference level and demand the absolute highest level of performance from whatever enters that portal.