Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Neal, Matt already tried the DS DAC and eliminated it from the competition. Come on man, keep up with the thread! ;~) Seriously though performance is very dependent upon system matching and personal preferences, and I know you're not alone in liking the DS DAC!

The DS was very good, but not close in my system compared to the other kits I was trying. As Bill_K noted, results will vary dramatically based on a million variables. Many find the DS to be their final stop on the way to DAC heaven; and I am happy for them. For me, it was just a pit stop.

I am working today on the DSD-S. I am developing initial impressions and will report them when I have formulated some thoughts. I'm not close to done listening yet.

UPDATE - OFF TOPIC

Interestingly, I have the electricians here today running some dedicated lines for me. I have been advised to either run 2 separate 20 amp lines or one single 20 amp line. My amps can pull (according to the stats) 10 amps at peak output (which is very infrequent). My initial thought was to give the mono blocks a dedicated 20 amp circuit and the rest of the rack another dedicated 20 amp circuit. I'm also installing a whole house surge suppressor to remove that from the room's equation and to avoid limiting current at all costs.

We went back and forth on whether to go with one or two circuits as each has their advantages: single circuit removes any ground loop issues whatsoever but can limit current if the amps demand more then 20 amps. Two circuits gives unlimited current, but adds potential grounding issues and makes things generally more complicated to avoid tiny noise issues.

We finally decided that the best way to confirm amperage need was to run a meter with the ability to show peak amperage use over a period of time. We hooked the meter to the current circuit (a single 15 amp circuit) and I sat down to some tunes. I played the stereo as loud as I would ever play it and made sure to include some music with very dynamic passages…

Final result was that I NEVER pulled more then a paltry 2.8 amps from the breaker. Even at high volumes and with some seriously dynamic passages. Merrill's Veritas amps must be VERY efficient!!!!!

So I'm having them run a single 20 amp circuit with an insulated ground and all 10 gauge wire (including ground wire). Quad outlet to run the amps direct into the wall and then use my Shunyata Hydra Alpha for my rack.

I'm also going to try running the amps through the Hydra since it is (according to Shunyata) not current limiting in any way (the filters run in parallel).

If this were a dedicated listening room, I would have had them run the extra circuits to a dedicated sub-panel. But its a long-term temporary room. And to be blunt, I never felt that my current normal house 15 amp circuit was holding me back. But as an anal, obsessive compulsive audiophile I NEEDED to get a dedicated line to get that little extra performance!!! We are a sad breed….

Totally unrelated to my thread topic, but I thought it was very interesting.

tboooe - Merrill dropped them off for a listen. I have no idea how much they are. But I agree that $695- would be very expensive. I will ask Merrill and get back to you. I can't see what they are behind that elusive fabric cover. I assume some combination of reflective and absorptive….

Probably made from Unobtainium, coated with acoustic fibers from extinct mouse fur and glued together with a mixture of Botox and platinum solder...