Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Tbg.. OK I get it.

You now prefer the sound of solid state to tubes.

Matt, I've very much enjoyed your thread as some day in the not too distant future I too would like to upgrade my digital front end with a bias toward redbook. I am very interested in learning your observations regarding the aesthetix units. Finally, it has been my experience that it is truly very difficult to become familiar with a component and or system over a short time. My experience is that it takes familiarity and this takes weeks rather then minutes to fully appreciate what a specific component may contribute. It is a dilemma when one is investing significant dollars to hopefully improve ones system.

Sorry all. I did my comparison yesterday. I'm so busy I can't get time to sit and write about it. Hopefully later today....
What for the Update.

Wait. Not what. Lol

Interesting spin on things. I think most folks following this thread realize it's what Matt likes in HIS system. As he said, he's just sharing what he hears and if anyone is spending this kind of money based on what Matt thinks, then you deserve what you get. This doesn't seem to me to be about what you should buy for yourself. I realize the manufactures want positive free press in the thread, but why shouldn't they.

As for 50 years following audio, so what? I have been following it close since 69 myself. I get out and hear a ton of products and like to think I have an idea of what things sound life VS live (yes, I listen to live whenever I can). That makes me no expert. I once told a group of sales people I trained that you newebies should never be concerned with someone saying they have 20 years in the industry. To me, most of those folks have one year of experience 20 times. Not saying that TGB (of whatever the name is) doesn't have a ton of real experience, but some of your statements aren't those made by someone with an open mind. I understand what Matt was saying. JMHO though