Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Mattnshilp, I appreciate the effort that you are putting into these comparisons and for your time in sharing your findings with us. Regarding the final paragraph of your last post about the Lampy having an inferior USB port that requires an external USB converter, I would like to mention that the Rowland has a similar limitation in its design. It has been reported on this forum that the Rowland design team themselves has admitted that the Aeris sounds its best through the SPDIF inputs and not via USB. Their USB implementation is also limited to a high of 96kHz sampling frequency with the SPDIF inputs supporting up to 192kHz. Just wanted to point that out if it may impact your decision. I ruled out the Aeris DAC due to that 96kHz limitation via USB as well as its lack of support for DSD file playback, but of course everyone has differing needs and priorities. I also have a fondness for Rowland gear as I currently own their model 625 power amp which I find superb! Best of luck as you continue the evaluation process, and thanks again for taking the time to share your results.

Bill_K - I agree. I was responding to someone else's comment that the Lampy would sound its best with an external USB to spdif converter. The same can, I'm sure, be said for the Aeris and DS DAC's. The only DAC with a reliably superior USB input is the AE OverDrive SE.

That said, I can not overstate how freakin good both the Aeris and Big6 are fed through the USB!!!!

I am just saying that I don't want to go down the external USB/spdif converter road right now.

Mattnshilp, I've mentioned the BMC PureDac earlier. You should add it to your list. It is very cheap at $1790 retail. I know of a man who bought one for use in his bedroom system and now uses it in his main system in place of the expensive dCS multiple box dac.

TBG - my room partner and I used my Overdrive in one system and the BMC in another system in or RMAF room last year. BMC is good at that price point, but not in the same league.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Well Joecasey, if you like a flat 3D presentation with the middle octaves distant, then the Sylvania tubes will be for you.