Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Thanks Matt.  I too had the PS Audio DAC in and it wasn't in the same ballpark as the Empirical Audio DAC I had at the time.  The Ayre QX5/20 took my system to a different level than even the EA DAC.  

I would love to get that CAD here to go up against my Mac Mini. Matt have you had the Melco N1Zh in yet? If not, let me see if I can get my hands on one (when the new one comes out) and we can both try it out.  I do want an ethernet connected server though as everyone who manufactures or designs seems to feel it's the best way to move the digits, but that's to do so, is a large expense to do it correctly.  

Just glad this thread is going again.  I think the evolution is pretty amazing.  We started with everyone just throwing out their own DAC's or what their dealers want them to buy or even some manufacturer's trolling the thread, but in the end, there's nearly a consensus that there are only a handful of great DAC's still and that some of the larger names that everyone always talks about being the best values in audio etc, don't quite make this top tier.  Good products in their weight class though and not to be dismissed, but if you want the best, you can read every  page of this thread and make a list of about 5 or 6 DAC's that most feel are best.  I've been fortunate to hear many of them and can see the virtues and faults of each one.  That's probably why we all chose different DAC's for our reference DAC (money also plays a part, but not quite as much).  

Thanks for the server link to the Head-fi thread. I missed that one over there for some reason.  

Has anyone else heard the Direct Stream DAC with the latest firmware updates? I feel this DAC has improved greatly since I purchased it and another firmware update is on the way soon. This unit is going through an evolution.

I heard the latest version a month or so ago and it's not in the same league as my Ayre QX5/20.  If folks want to bring in another name to check I think you need to look at Brinkmann.  I heard their new DAC at an unveiling and was really impressed.  It's going to be in the discussion soon, but I don't feel it's better than the Ayre (dealer carries both lines) and the TotalDac is a hair better than the Ayre, but for twice the price.  Matt seems to love the EMM as do a few others.  I need to get down to Matt's to check it out, but will wait until he gets his new EA ODSX burned in.  That will be a fun road trip for me.

Peter, I look forward to playing. I'd like to get your prized Ayre into my system and compare it to my prized ODSX and Emm DA-2.

i do think that sources have an affect on DAC performance, as do the sources best output and the DAC's best input. The ODSX uses a native Ethernet Renderer, which I believe to be the future. The Emm's AES input, I believe, is its best. But the USB is more flexible. The N10 soundsbest via its AES output but good from USB as well. Obviously most computers and products such as the Sonore MicroRendu rely on USB to get their signals to the DAC. It truly becomes a matter of synergy and taste. 

I shall keep reporting as i have findings. Thanks guys. I'm glad I'm back in the game. I waited so long for my ODSX. 

Matt, that's a given. Promise. When I get back from the Juice Plus convention the beginning of May.

You are dead on IRT source with DAC.  No question. Just read the forums and you can tell. Micheal Lavorgna will say the same I bet and to me he's a true expert.  When I can figure out a time, I'll ask him if he can come over if that's ok.  I'm really excited to see if the ODSX will be what I think it will be.  I could have had my ODSE converted as you know, but the wait would have been too long and I really loved that Ayre made a true digital component where you only need to add ethernet and some sort of hard drive.  I stream a ton of Tidal now, so for me, it's the best solution.  

I know one other who has the ODSX, lol....and loves it.  Feels it's the best he's ever had in his system.  I NEED to hear your EMM as I have a few friends who own it and love it.  Also, another poster on this thread who's become a good friend, has (I forget the name of it, but it's those guys up in MA who make them.  I'll edit this and add the name when I can think of it.  Just an MS moment as you know I have Matt, lol.) another DAC that is being updated and he swears by it.  I think that right now there are probably about 5 -7 DAC's that folks swear by as their ref DAC's and then a level just below.  I do feel that many of these that are 'just below' are SOOOO close (ref my Ayre QX5/20 vs the TotalDac that's twice the price, but oh sooooo close according to Michael L at www.audiostream.com if you want to check out his thoughts on both).  

Just a wonderful time to be getting involved with digital sound.  now what we really need are better recordings for much of the popular genre's.  JMHO