Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Ok let's get my thoughts straight. I left computer audio because all the computer stuff from ripping to downloads to backup and other stuff was stressing me. I hate working on computers and I am forced to deal with one all week on my job. I MUCH prefer touching my CDs and simply putting one after another in the CD drawer. So simple and easy and relaxing to me.

I did not think this would be the case as at first I liked the perceived ease of computer audio. But over time it became a stressor for me. Not good. I learned and took a chance as I like to try different things. I am open minded.

That is the only reason I left computer based audio. That is it. I have been clear about this on many of my posts. Computer based audio sounds every bit as good and better often times. Just a pain in the rear for me and to me.

Now comes the Romulus dac/CD player. I love it. I prefer it in many ways from ease of use to a slightly different sonic signature. It is not as up front sounding as the Lampi/computer combo. It is less detailed however and some may certainly prefer my old computer based front end as it was killer. The Romulus does not stomp all over the sound of my old computer based rig. No way.

It is a preference thing. I like the natural ease of the Romulus. Some may find it too soft or relaxed. I don't. The EA Offramp with the Lampi and Apple Mini was superb and world class. It dug deeper into the music in some ways for sure.

I love trying new gear and playing. Call it a sickness if you want. I think it is an interest and curiosity:-)

Grannyring, glad you are happy with your system.

I love trying new gear and playing. Call it a sickness if you want. I think it is an interest and curiosity:-)

That's how one learn and grow by being curious and experimenting.

TBG - Ive had the BMC DAC in my rooms at trade shows, as well as the Overdrive SE. My partners in the room that sell BMC will tell you which DAC is better, a LOT better. The price difference is there for a reason. There is a lot more technology in the Overdrive. Contact Vapor Audio (vaporsound.com) They make some of the best speakers on the planet, particularly for the money BTW.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Audioengr, I only wished that they folk had listened to the BMC. Many of us think it is the best we've heard, but I would certainly concede that William's new server is better.

TBG, go read the DSD Dac review that Bruce Brown did for Stereomojo. He compared directly to the venerable PBD MPS5

I dont see a Sabre chip beating LPF DSD well implemented. THAT is pure bitstream DSD.

Vapor generally shows with Empirical and sometimes with Lampi.