Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

"Finally, I will try the ODSE to Criterion to Veritas as I have been, but add in the Short Block (which, from what I understand, basically divides the small dc USB power from the line which helps to improve sound."

The SB should always be used with the Overdrive. It filters out the common-mode noise from the computer and ground-loops, improving SQ. The side effect of this filtering is that the 5V power in the USB cable is compromised. Rather than selling something that compromises USB power, I just cut the power wire and limit the use of the SB to products that do not use the power in the USB cable like the Overdrive. Because a high inductance is inserted in the ground wire between computer and DAC, it is important to plug the DAC and the computer into the same AC outlet. Using some power conditioners that add even more inductance in the earth ground can be problematic. They usually don't help with digital power anyway. A solution like the Plasmatron from VHaudio.com makes more sense and improves SQ significantly for digital.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

My apologies all. Between my family and work, my audiophile obsession is getting put on the back burner. The kids are off to sleep away tomorrow (at least 2 of 3) so the day has been spent working and then prepping and packing last minute. My oldest is a music addict (can't imagine where he got it from) and I am loading his iPod, and my daughters, right now. He's filling it with classical, movie soundtracks and classic jazz. She's filling it with Pop, rock and Rap (blech!).

I may have some time tomorrow after the kids are off, but with my wife home I don't see much of an opportunity until Sunday since it will be the first few days alone with the 6 year old….

I can promise that the wait will be well rewarded!! Wednesday will be 744 hours on the Aeris and the FINAL SHOWDOWN between the Aeris and the ODSE. I will try to do the FD tests this coming Monday if I have time as well.

The Direct Stream started cooking on the 18th. 20 days (about 500 hours) puts us at a target of Tuesday, July 8th. Wednesday is my free morning so it will be 500+ hours and the big comparison between the winner of the ODSE/Aeris and a the Direct Stream.

Still no idea on the Aestheix, or if Jon even has it in his store yet….

So good stuff coming! Be patient my fellow Audiophilio Obsessiva and you shall be rewarded!

lol...

Matt,

Family comes first.

Just want to confirm the 400 hour burn-in on the Aesthetix.

@ Audioengr, Steve, you never cease to amaze me, I talked to you on the phone once a couple of weeks ago, Now, you have brought to my attention this Plasmatron product that Chris has at vh-audio, this to me appears to be a game changer product, do you have one?, you said, Improves sound quality significantly for digital, coming from you, this must be one hell of a product for you to say that, I will get one for sure, when, I am not sure of that either, I just know after reseaching this, I got to have it!

Audiolabyrinth - Yes, I have a Plasmatron 3. Everyone that listens to this in their system has bought one. Chris loaned us one at RMAF and we had to use it for the entire show. It's really cool looking too. Some tubes for this have plasma fire in the tops.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio