Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Dgarretson- you bring up a good point.

2 ways to compare:

1) keep everything absolutely consistent and change 1 and only 1 variable.
2) do what needs to be done with each item to allow each to shine as much as it can.

I sort of do both but lean heavily more toward the first. I can’t compare fairly with anything that would change the sound (i.e. Different power cords, interconnects, power conditioning). But I have no problem tweaking vibration control and such (of course that changes the sound also, but it's just helping the untinsound its best). I use my top tier Adona racks and typically put Stillpoint Ultra 5’s under the DAC’s to isolate. I find they are crazy good (although crazy expensive). I think I will eventually go for an all Stillpoints rack. But for now my Adonna is excellent. Also, my room is sitting on concrete in a quiet suburb with very few homes on very many acres of land. So micro-vibration is well controlled and macro vibration rarely exists.

CTSooner and Wardl - I have officially ended you guys. Enough. Give each other an audiophile man hug, agree to disagree and keep the conversation to the topic please. Thank you. Your Welcome. :)

Matt, Stillpoints are great and tactically flexible in a variety of settings. I use Ultra 5s as turntable and speaker footers and Ultra SSs under several components lodged in a custom steel rack.  But if you ever get around to a strategic rethink of the Adona rack, also consider the Starsound Rhythm racks and platforms.  Starsound racks and platforms made a major difference with my Esoteric digital front end and Pass monoblocks.  You'd have to pry them loose from my dead hands.  

Thanks Dgarretson! I have 3 racks on my list if I ever decided to "upgrade"

Stillpoints
Grand Prix Audio
Starsound

All 3 are supposedly amazing! 

Matt, get in touch with me. Richfield found a new rack that he's going with.  Said he couldn't' believe the sound difference.  Personally, my favorite so far is the HRS rack with their platforms built in.  I've heard their gear in many high end systems and they are just amazing.  I love when you audition and they quickly take away the platform and you can hear a negative difference.  Sound floor, decay times etc...  I'm about to make a few sets of wood blocks out of cypress like Ayre and Cardas make.  I will make a nice looking set for all my gear and matching holders for my speaker cables.  


I've noticed that by lifting the cables up off the carpet is important.  It's a small, but audible difference.  I implore all of you to try it.  It's one of those inexpensive tweeks that is needed in any system that has a carpet.  I don't know if the static builds up on a wood floor where it would make a difference.  Any of you have a solid floor?  If so, do you lift your cables off the floor and if so, any difference?  

I use a Sistrum from Star Sound for my Gryphon Diablo... goodness, what a difference