Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

With all due respect to George I’m inclined more toward Elizabeth’s explanation in attributing the void or black hole effect to the recording method or process. . I don’t believe that delta sigma can be the blamed in a broad brush fashion as the culprit.
I’ve done direct comparisons of delta sigma (D’S) DACs vs R2R
Yamamoto YDA 01a (DS) vs Holo Spring level 3 DAC (R2R) and
Bricasti M1 DAC(DS) vs Total DAC 1 six (R2R) and LampiZator level 5 DAC.

In terms of note substain, decay, venue ambience, sense of presence etc. The two DS DACs were every bit the equal if not out right superior to the very good R2R DACs regarding these parametersas well as others. Based on my listening I don’t believe that sweeping generalizations between DS and R2R hold up under scrutiny.

I can appreciate the idea based on theory but I’m referring to actual listening experiences in the same audio systems.
Respectfully,
Charles

@beewax 

+1 I agree. My strategy if I were to try to put some methodology to the task would be to

1) go for the most jitter immune, cleanest,  lowest distortion and highest SNR DAC available. This would obviously be a new DAC within the last year or two. It might be too lean and analytical for the desired goal of “musicality” and engagement tie tapping but you start with the bare truth and a reference signal.
2) Get the most resolving SS power amp - Benchmark ABH2 looks impressive. Again the power amp should be powerful and transparent - a Bryston, Pass Labs, Krell - there are plenty of choices.
3)  Roll preamps and roll preamp tubes until you find the desired sound. 

I think the strategy of using using every component (DAC, Preamp and power amp) to ALL create or add musical warmth is a never ending uncontrolled dog’s breakfast. 

Another alternative would be to stick with one manufacturer - go all ARC for example - at least there is a good chance that the equipment has synergy to begin with,

+1 @beewax   


I agree. I would suggest to use the cleanest high performance DAC I could find for the most resolving line level source signal and then use a tube preamp and roll tubes to taste for the musical taste. This approach is much more flexible. Buying a DAC with tubes built in is kind of limiting or restricting yourself...