Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

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...

Hi Matt, I am not surprised about Veritas small current draw... Their efficiency is probably above 90%... Just to be on the safe side, have you tested current draw with some tracks that have large scale orchestra transients? E.g. 4th movement in Mahler's 1st symphony... Or those dreadful cannon shots in the Tchaikowsky 1812 Ouverture... Very loud but short duration transients might draw more current than otherwise seemingly loud sostenutos. G.

Guido - yup. 1812 Overture was my first thought. Cannon shots so loud I was worried my clock would fall off the wall… 2.8 amps….

Most of the time is was between 1.5 and 2.2 amps.

I just find it SO interesting!!! I wonder how much a big VTL amp or MBL amp pulls!?!?!

Regarding acoustic treatments: I consider the absorbing side panels the #1 priority. Put a mirror on the side walls if you have them and when you see the tweeters from the listening position this is where you put them. I recommend the absorbing panels with graphics from GIK acoustics:
http://www.gikacoustics.com/product/gik-artpanel-acoustic-panels/

As for bass and imaging, I recommend the 1/4 round tube-traps in a height that matches your speakers. These not only tame bass, but by acting as inner scattering devices, they improve imaging significantly by scattering the inner back-wave from the speakers. You position them inside and just behind the speakers with the round surface facing inwards.
http://www.acousticsciences.com/products/quarter-round-tube-trap

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Based on my experience I have to agree with Steve about treating 1st reflection points. I am simply amazed at the improvement in sound I am getting. I should have done this a looooong time ago!