Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I'm not upset, dude.  It's audio gear.  Not something I would get upset over.  But I see no reason to give credence to vague statements (teenager? Does a couple of things well?) that don't square up with those of very experienced listeners I know and trust, not to mention my own and the general consensus of experts around the globe.  Leads me to question the foundation (i.e. accuracy) of said opinions.  Also, if you have truly been looking for a refererence red book DAC for 3 years and can't find one, that is truly bizarre.  There are many good ones out there.  

Wardl - never said I didn't find a "good one". I've been enjoying my Empirical Audio OverDrive SE (and now my upgraded SX) pretty much kick ass and take names for almost that entire time. It's truly THAT good!!!!!! But I'm looking for the best! I thought the Emm DA2 was going to be it, and it wasn't. The Davinci Light Harmonic 2 (auditioned the LH #1) was sublime. Same voicing and tonal balance of my ODSX but just better in every way. 

I can list 10 "good" DAC's !  But I'm looking for the ultimate reference (in my system)! 😜

Limniscate- HF filter off.

Randy-11 - not sure how to answer that. My room is fully dedicated. It has its own sub-panel with 5 dedicated audio lines of EXACTLY the same length to avoid group loop issues. The panel utilizes EP ground filters and an EP mains filter/surge protection. The room is wired with top grade outlets and I am currently comparing an Audio Magic Oracle and my Shunyata AV hydra conditioner. The amps run straight into the wall. All power cords are currently Shunyata Alpha versions. I’d love to upgrade eventually to Enklein David’s! Did that answer your question?

There are lots of really really good ones compared to just 5 years ago.  It's a golden age for DACs.  What cost 40k 5 years ago can be had for 5k now.  Many of the new ones sound great direct to the new fancy amps, further enhancing resolution and cost efficiency.  The streamers can be controlled from an iPad. Tons of lossless content available via monthly subscription.  It's pretty amazing when you think about it, comparing to not too long ago.  Good luck finding a reference.  

"But I see no reason to give credence to vague statements (teenager? Does a couple of things well?) that don't square up with those of very experienced listeners I know and trust, not to mention my own and the general consensus of experts around the globe.  Leads me to question the foundation (i.e. accuracy) of said opinions.  Also, if you have truly been looking for a refererence red book DAC for 3 years and can't find one, that is truly bizarre.  There are many good ones out there."

You obviously haven't kept up with this thread or gone back to read most of the last few pages. The statement 'does a few things well' is a quote from a DAC designer of one of the better rated DAC's in the world.  I have mentioned things I personally don't love about the DAVE, but have said it's still a good DAC for some.  Just not for me and I've heard it plenty to know that.  Its not like I heard it at a show (don't attend shows) where it will never sound it's best.  As for 'experts', I've addressed that a few posts above.  I trust my own ears and others should trust theirs.  

I realize that folks live in areas where they can't go audition a lot of stuff.  That's difficult, but when spending money like this on gear and not hear it first is a personal choice.  Not one that I'd normally make, but I DID buy my first ever component based on Matt's and one other's recommendation.  I bought the ODSE/SE used from another poster on this thread.   It turned out to be a great move on my part.  I also paid exactly what I knew I could turn around and resell it for if I didn't like it.  I knew Matt personally by then and knew his ear enough to realize that we are close in our listening, but more important, I knew where we differ.  

I never have, nor do I care if I 'square up with those of very experienced listeners I know and trust, not to mention my own and the general consensus of experts around the globe.  Leads me to question the foundation (i.e. accuracy) of said opinions."

If you feel that you need to have your listening validated by others, then go for it.  I know many who are into that and that's cool too. I've made a few enemies posting in this thread and on boards in general as I have no filters.  I have also made a few good friends on this thread.  Guys I really enjoy meeting up with and talking to. 

Matt, we need to talk about electrical as I'm bringing in an electrician and I'm going to run new dedicated lines.