Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

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.  

Matt, Curious what rack or platform, footers, and PCs you are using when comparing DACs. Are you holding those variables constant, or tweaking to find the best result for each application?  I have found that for some components these tweaks can make very meaningful differences, and at your high level of performance could possibly erase some of the minor distinctions between DACs.

Ctsooner, you have made "enimies" talking about audio gear?  Wow.  Not sure how that is possible but, ok, maybe some take this a little too far.  Point is, not sure I would trust your opinion on this or the opinion of the competitor designer whoever he or she is (that is a polite way of saying, I don't).  And not sure anyone else should either.   Like you say, listen for yourself.  And I certainly do not need your validation.  Hopefully we are not enemies now.  I don't think I have any at the moment, lol.

Ok. 

Time me to move back to the original thread.