Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Obviously it's all subjective and some will take anyone's word on what THEY think is the best, but this is fun stuff. I'm interested in what Matt has to say. Sounds like all of the DAC's in this thread are getting a ton of good press and in the right system, room, folks wont' go wrong. It all depends on what you like etc... This is one of the best threads going on the board now. thanks to all of you who are helping out.

Agear, I have three dacs presently. One is the stock BMC PureDac, which I use with a music server source. It has a "analog" volume control, which of course, isn't really analogue, but it sounds very good through a line stage with the PureDac set at 59 volume. Second I have an Exemplar eXpo T-105 universal play based on the Oppo 105. It is my only transport, but having a music server results in my seldom playing cds or sacds. Since you can input via USB I do use it as a dac. Finally, I have an Empirical Audio Legacy dac that plays everything in double DSD. I even have some original recordings in double DSD. I suspect this last dac will put me ahead of the wave for a few months! It is nice to not have to use Itunes to organize my music and having to deal with its being dedicated to just playing MP3.

Matt.. One point about the PSA DirectStream.. I'm not sure if you're getting the kit or a fresh unit, but in any case the DS needs a good 200+ hours to really get it's mojo going.. It's good right of the box but it does need some serious break-in.. And fyi it doesn't sound anything like a PWD MKII..

I went with the brand new unit. Not the kit.

Fortunately for me, the Aeris, Big6 and OverDrive SE are all pre-owned or demo units so they are well broken in. The DS will be the only one that will require a week or 2 of break in (sigh). I will just put on some internet Sirius radio and let her play for 2 weeks...
I wish I had a second system to run so my primary would not be locked up for that time.

The Aeris arrived today. I will plug her in tonight and see her shine. I'm honestly very curious as to how the Aeris compares to the Lampy. I have a friend who swears by the Aeris; a friend whose ears I trust implicitly. He ditched his pre-amp after using his Aeris and runs straight to the amps(which would be great since my pre was a fortune and I could use that extra cha-ching since I'm heading towards an awesome stereo, and a divorce all at the same time!!!!!).

But my pre-amp currently adds SO much to my music I can't imagine giving it up. Which is a ridiculous statement because a pre-amp is not supposed to add anything. But the Criterion adds passion and emotion and involvement and happiness (Audiophile phrases, not Hifi phrases)....

Steve - Thank you very much for the extras! I can't wait!

All - I hope to provide you with honest and clear explanations. I apologize in advance if my communication of the differences is disappointing or vague. I'm actually starting to get nervous about posting my results. ;) I'll just say it like I hear it.

"I'll just say it like I hear it". That's all anyone can expect, reading your posts I'd say you express yourself clearly. I suspect that these comparisons will be informative and much fun to follow.
Charles,