Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Too bad there is no way to search for a particular dac in this thread in a quick and easy way.  I find this thread very valuable and thanks to OP and everyone who contributed.  I am using Ayre Codex right now and will upgrade later down the road.  I will definitely use the information in this thread to help me pick out my next dac.

@ksattic - That's exactly how Chord marketing team have you believe.

@wisnon I'm fairly new to Audiogon - didn't realise this thread went back to 2014! Will read back.

As you say, Chord implement the pulse DAC and filtering in FPGA. Many other manufacturers have FPGAs but I've only even seen them used for filtering (like the Ayre).

I did have the chance to A/B the Ayre QX-5 Twenty vs the Chord 2Qute and I preferred the latter.

Of course you did.  Many of us have the QX5/20 and bought it over all the Chord DAC's.  Many have the Dave and love it.  Different ears for all of us and different fits depending on the systems too.  

Matt, everyone is excited for you to get the DaVinci into the system.  It will be interesting now as you review TotalDac and some others as they come along.  How close will they come to a 35k DAC is what I'm interested in.  I think that's the real question. How close are we with 10 or 15 or 20k DAC's.  For many there is a point of no return, but for most, there is a line that can't be crossed.  I found that line to be 9K for the Ayre QX5/20, but I really liked the sound of the Brinkmann also for 14k I think it is.  It was very organic as I posted many many pages back.  I need to go listen again as they have a QX5/20 there too so I can listen in the same system in a room I know the sound of.  Should be fun.

@ksattic 
You shouldn't believe marketing.  They aren't the only ones doing it nor are they even the first.  I'm sure the DACs are nice but there are much better.