Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Update Addendum:

I asked and Steve told me that he sells about 10 OD's a year. Most just order them and don't use the trial period. What he does is have you pay in full up front and then sends you his demo unit. If you like it, you send it back and he builds you a brand new one and sends it out. If you don't want to keep it, he refunds the money in full minus shipping when he receives the demo back. He said he has only had 4 people (not including me) go the Demo approach and only 1 has chosen not to purchase.

He also mentioned that he is constantly tweaking and upgrading his OverDrive design and he has many customers who send them back for upgrades as they become available. I do not know what the fee for these upgrades is other then shipping fees.

I forgot to mention that I now understand why the DAC module has a mohawk. It gets pretty darn hot. Not burning hot mind you, but it does not run cool. The power unit as well, although not as hot as the DAC got. The Aeris runs cold, all the time.

Just to give you an idea, the latest Overdrive upgrade, my ground-plane mod is $200. This one takes the USB module performance to a new level, passing up the external Off-Ramp 5 with Dynamo power supply.

The last upgrade was the digital D/A Hynes reg, which was $400. Improved power to the digital section of the D/A chip, which improved dynamics and imaging.

Its like getting a new DAC with each of these upgrades. The customers love it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Agear - best quote ever in Audiophile obsession ... "you should not bail simply due to extra $ or logistical hassles." You, sir, are hard core!!! I tip my gold coated LP demagnetizer to you my friend. :)

The language may make it seem that way but its really a matter of logic. Steve offered to send you the Offramp. Its easy breezy. Is your OCD fervor wearing off?

BTW, my prediction is and has been Aeris. Imprinting is a biological term....:/

My prediction is the EA dac with no preamp.

The Offramp was not a free offer Agear, he wanted me to pay for it in full up front, which is his normal demo policy and very fair. I already have over $20k currently locked into DAC's. I don't have more $$$$ to invest in this project.

Steve was very very generous to offer me a free demo of the Final Drive and Short Block, without my asking. I don't want to ask him for any more.

Lol, ok. I thought that's what you were implying with the imprinting thing. Are you saying that "as a younger animal, I have come to recognize Guido as a parent or other object of habitual trust?" Then I guess it's accurate since our similar tastes have led me to rely on Guido's opinions sort of like habitual trust. Guido is a friend, a nice guy with a great ear (because of his visual challenges, he has developed a rather keen sense of hearing, almost supernatural as his brain actually converts some auditory stimuli into visual stimuli - as a physician it's an utterly fascinating concept. Ask him about it).

I have been as honest as I can. If I chose a DAC it will be because it's the best sounding DAC to me, in my system. I am not worried about disappointing anyone other then my desire to help and show appreciation for all of you who have participated in this thread and helped me attain the best system I can.

I started with some killer DAC's. Any of them would have been a great choice. I might just end up with the Aeris. Isn't that the fun of it? Trying them all and seeing which is best.