Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Audiolabyrinth,
I am curious to read Matt's impression of these fine DACs via the Criterion. What actually changes sonically with its insertion?
Charles,

One benefit of the mini is that you have a lot of choices about which software to use and how you implement memory play, upsampling, eq, etc.

IMO, too many options is the reason why so many tech challenged is having trouble with computer audio and reason Steve recommended Antipodes.

Guido - its very simple. The D/A chip I use allows selection of three digital filters, one tuned for 44.1, one tuned for 96 and one tuned for 192. You can manually select these. The de-emphasis is standard on most DAC's but like the other filters, its automatically selected. On the Overdrive, you can manually select this filter as well. I have found it to be useful on a few older tracks, such as some Led Zeppelin and some Jimi Hendricks. If it sounds harsh and bright, sometimes it is because it has pre-emphasis.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Matt - the volume control is just the nature of the beast. It never goes completely to zero due to the technology used. There are internal jumpers that will get you closer though. I like it set the way it is because I don't want the volume to go up 12dB with only 10 degrees of knob rotation. I don't think its really an issue for you because you are using your preamp anyway.

Steve N.

Hi Matt. First I would like to add my thanks and appreciation for your very interesting and enjoyable thread.

FYI. The Meitner MA-1 has no VC so it can only be run direct to amp by using a software-VC in a Sever Software, like A+. Also by using the VC in the Server software you would only be able to control the volume of PCM files and not DSD.

Speaking of the Meitner MA-1 (and all EMM/Meitner) they have just announced the release of a free Major Firmware Upgrade.
I had the opportunity to get an early release for my MA-1. I can say that the difference was well worth the wait and the improvements in sound are across the board and urge you to try an updated MA-1. Please keep in mind that there will be another Upgrade coming this Fall-Winter.

On a side note. As we both have the Veritas Amps I wanted to let you know that I asked Merrill to put the new Red Fuses by Synergistic Research into my Veritas Amps. I highly recommend them for the price vs performance to anyone. They add a refinement to the Veritas, it elevates them, not that they lacked for anything before. It is not hard to hear the added benefits it brings, more then subtle. I must say that this is the first fuse I have heard that it was not hard, if at all, to hear the differences/improvement.