Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Audio products that sound terrific per the Stereophile viewers and yet measure poorly per JA. This dilemma has been noted by quite a few observers  over the years. 
Charles 

This paper is presented at the Brinkmann site and seems to amount almost to a point-by-point rebuttal of the concerns JA expressed.  And in doing so I note that the paper goes considerably beyond what is said in the manufacturer's comment section of the Stereophile issue which presents the review.

IMO most of what is said in the paper is persuasive.  The only issue I would take with it, at least in the case of a DAC, is in relation to the statement that "over-damping (i.e., filtering) the incoming power might result in better measured values, but often kills the life in the music."  While lightening up on the filtering of incoming power might in some DAC designs result in sound that is subjectively preferable, it certainly won't make the sound more true to the source IMO.  But in any event the numbers cited in the paper and in JA's measurements are suggestive of that not being a significant issue in this case.

Regarding JA's measurements more generally, they are IMO of inestimable value in identifying possible or likely mismatches or incompatibilities between components, and often in diagnosing sonic issues as well.  I couldn't begin to count the number of times I and many others have referred to his measurements in responding to questions and issues that are posted here.  In that sense JA performs a uniquely valuable service to the audiophile community, especially given the thoroughness of his measurements relative to those that are provided in some other publications, and given the much higher probability that he has measured a component that is being considered, compared to other publications that provide measurements.   And every now and then some of his measurements raise legitimate concern about the quality of the engineering that went into the design of a product.  Beyond those benefits, though, I would certainly agree that they generally provide little if any insight into how a component will sound.

Best regards,
-- Al
   

Al,
+ 1 in regard to the value of the Stereophile measurements as a very effective "initial screening step and assisting in narrowing the field of potential audio candidates.  My only observation was the measurements just don't correlate well with a product's sound quality 
Charles 

I agree somewhat, but I feel a good sounding product should still measure somewhat decent. There are dac's out there that measure great and also sound wonderful. An example is the MSB mark II.

Brinkmann sounds outstanding to me.  My ear isn't what everyone else's is and visa versa.  Matt knows my ear fairly well by now I think (we have discussed our differences).  It's like most great audio products. It gets better and better the more time you spend with it.

I've never bothered with looking at measurements.  I know that they are important to some degree, but I will listen to anything.  that way I can make up my own mind about a product.