Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Jonson, you really need to get in to listen to the Ayre and Aesthetix. I have listened to the Benchmark 2 vs these other two and there isn't a comparison. The A's are both musical, detailed not etched, non 'digital'. They sound like music. I have heard so many DAC's recently and I went with the Music Hall 25.3 as it has balanced outputs and I use Ayre electronics. I couldn't justify spending more as the MH was very musical with plenty of detail etc... vs most of the DAC's under 3k. I have heard some of the higher end DAC's now and I still love the Ayre, but it only has USB and I need more than just that. I'd die for the Aesthetix gear. Of all the electronics I've heard recently and that includes most top names as I am redoing my system, they are the top two. I like them better than the AR ref stuff too. There is just something about them both that say music and built like a nice looking tank all at the same time, lol. I told John that you would probably be in touch. He said he's excited to speak with you to see what you are looking to do. He knows what goes best together as anyone on here who has worked with him will tell you. Let us know what you get in touch with him. Great luck.