Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

That's tough... Pretty small room for your speakers. However, I'd be tempted in trying to use the room with the freedom to do as you chose. Even if it means building a second system, or replacing your large speakers with a good full range monitor or good small 2 1/2 way type floor standing speaker, if a second system is not possible.

This will allow you to pull the speakers more into the room vs. being forced to keep them close to the front wall, as well as keeping your listening position away from the back wall. This allows you to set up a more near field type scenario, if you will.

When treating the room, take pointers from those that know. GIK Acoustics is really great at this. They have been given any scenario you can think of to get great results.

Just MO..

08-16-14: Mattnshilp
Gonna change the subject for a moment since I've got a week'ish until my next report.

I need an opinion.

Matt, last year I was faced with a very similar situation. I had a full range floor stander that was flat to the low 20s in a small, square shaped room. It overdrove the room and was less than desirable. Some big speakers do better than others, and you can get by with a near field setup and possibly consider using bags of play sand as a cheap way to manage energy initially. Dale Pitcher turned me onto this. My next room was a multi-use family space with valued ceilings, a wall of glass on one side, stone fireplace, etc. It sounded better simply due to the fact that the speakers had room to breathe (along with the ceiling height).
Thus I agree with Steve in sticking with the bigger room.

I too have tried computer-based manipulation of room acoustics (ala Spatial computing from Clayton Shaw of Emerald Physics fame) and while somewhat effective, it did not turn my 35K speakers into 100k speakers. I did not chase it that far though. Another friend had professional grade room correction software, and after going through all the trouble of creating a "ruler flat" measuring room, he bailed as it lacked musicality.

08-16-14: Paul79

The Totaldac is something else IME.

Which unit do you own and what is the rest of your system? Have you considered his server? I too looked at getting one but decided to get a Lampizator instead.

System:

Totaldac Monobloc DAC's and Totaldac Server/Reclocker made for Monobloc DAC's, all DSD Ready

Music network consisting of an Ipad, NAS, and Router feeding server via Ethernet cables, controlled over Wifi. Both NAS and Router powered with Paul Hynes SR5-12 Linear Supplies. Network is isolated as music network with no homerun Ethernet or internet required.

Super tweaked Technics 1200MKV Turn Table with Benz Ebony HS

Joseph Audio Perspective Speakers

NOS Valves VRD Mono Tube Amps and NOS Valves NBS Preamp. Both latest and greatest versions. Transparent is the word.

System powered with 2 dedicated circuits. One circuit using PI Audio UberBuss Conditioner to power the amps, pre, DAC's, and Server/Reclocker.
Second circuit for music network (NAS/Router) powered with PI Audio MiniBuss Conditioner.

Analog interconnects and speaker cables are Antipodes Reference

Power cables mix:
WyWires Silver Juice II
Avanti Audio Allegro
PI Audio Mongo
TWL 7+

Digital Cables:
Antipodes Kokiri AES/EBU
Totaldac USB Cable/Filter
Empirical Audio 4' BNC to BNC SPDIF Cable

Room is right and ready, tuned with traps, diffusors, panels

That bout covers it. Sounds very real and makes me want to dance every time I listen.

Bander,

I suggest an even broader rule; no comments from any manufacturer touting his/her own products. That's what ads are for. If people like Audioengineer want to share their technical insights, those are welcome, but mfr/members should not use this forum as a marketplace.

One man's opinion.

Neal