Worlds best DAC

The Zanden gets a very good rating on the HIFICRITIC performance scale, 105. However the new Audio Note gets a rating of over 400 on the same scale; let us all buy one. What was the price again? Oh, 192,000 pounds. Left my loose change in my other pants. All joking aside perhaps the question should be rephrased as "what is the world's best dac that anyone short of Bill Gates can buy"? I still like the Metrum Octave and it is around $1000. Their new model should be really good at 3-4x the price [ or possibly more, haven't seen the final price.]

My JADIS JS1 MK3 put the ZANDEN 5000 SIGN and the METRONOME C2A in his rear pocket ............

Stanwal,

i did not even know Audio Note came out with a newer DAC. Is there anything to read up on it...just for fun? I have heard mixed things about hte Audio Note 5 SE...some say the best ever, others say not to believe the hype even though still excellent.

I have recently spoken with someone who owns/is buying 9 SOTA digital systems for his showrooms...the best of the best for his showroom and customers. He felt the Zanden ranks towards the bottom of these 9 due to its flaws which are apparent relative to today's newer tech...but that in the right system, its own particular magic puts it back up near the top...but you gotta get the system right.

perhaps same with Audio Note? Thanks for any guidance about the new Audio Note...what is it called?

It was reviewed in HIFICRITIC, I will locate it and post. In the process of moving to Waynesville, NC from the Louisville, Ky area and things are disorganised at present.

It is the CDT-Six disc playing unit , which weighs 36 Kg and the Fifth Element two box dac. The latter is a further development of the single box DAC 5 Signature. It used Analogue Devices AD1865 chips, which require two separate main cables.

"The sound quality was consistently overwhelming, almost defying critical opinion, constantly demanding one's attention with the beautiful sounds it rendered from digital sources.".
" I consider myself an exacting critic that demands high standards, but have been overwhelmed by the consistent inviting sound quality of this player".

Martin Colloms from the review.

He adds that his first reaction was hysterical laughter at the price but the sound was beyond anything he had previously heard and the only question was why had it taken 30 years to reach this level. Priced at 96,000 pounds each; out of my league but worth a listen if you get the chance; I don't even know if it is out here yet.