Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

great write up.  I found the discussion about the digital volume control interesting.  I love my ODSE/SE and miss it every now and then, but I do love my Ayre QX5/20.  Just different sounds.

   At $9000, the Ayre QX-5 Twenty is an outright bargain

I tend to agree.  Many give me a hard time when I say I like it better than anything under 20k so far, but I honestly do. I haven't heard the TotalDac though.  I like it better than Brinkmann, but the Brinkman is a bit more 'musical', but not nearly as detailed.  I'll take it over the Berkley Ref mk 2 also.  

Cstooner...tell us more about your MP64 transport!

It's still being build.  Looking forward to getting it, but in no rush.  It's going to be loaded with everything they have to offer.  It will be very interesting to hear the differences between the DAC's considering ones built in and then there is the Ayre, which to my ears is just an outstanding unit.  I was lucky to get to speak with Charlie before he passed about his design and where they put the money when coming up with the idea.  Most of the engineering is past my level, but he was able to explain things to me that I could understand.  Sam does the same thing when I have questions and he asks Mark.  I need a translator at times.  Even when Matt and I go back and forth, I need a translator, lol...:). j/k....well, sort of.  

I'll get it and set it up and let it burn in.  Then I can share my thoughts in a system that isn't at Matt's price level.  I have always been about getting the best quietly signal for your system as even good speakers can then sound great.  I'm also a big believer in amplification.  I"m not like most who say get the most expensive speakers you can afford adn then skimp on the other stuff if needed.  There are some great values in all products categories, but not all fit together.  

I'm going on a limb with MP64 Transport as I've never heard it, but I know Matt and Richfield's ears pretty good and I've met both a few times etc.... so I have a strong idea how it should sound, but in my system, I'm still a bit scared, lol....  I'm not selling the Ayre until the MP is burned in and I've been able to listen to it a bit.  That's why I will make my impressions and share.  I have some more major surgery on the 8th of March, so I will have some time to audition eventually, lol. :)...This will be my 3rd in the last 2 years.  Thanks MS, lol.

PS, stay healthy all! ;)