Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Hi all.

I've been playing with Audirvana and Amarra (most recent update). I'm finding subtle differences. Not enough solid info to report findings yet. I think I will play for a while before posting anything to give both a solid opinion.

I'm working on the room idea a bit more. Trying to determine if I am better putting the speakers on the short (13 foot) wall and leaving the back (behind the couch) open instead of walling it off… Also haven't really broached the idea with the wifey yet. I'm hoping she's so desperate to get me out of the office shell let me go anywhere else…

The ODSE is still burning in. I have been relaxing and just enjoying the music.

I have been kicking around the idea of getting a CD spinner. That's why Audiolabyrinth mentioned the Ayon. I had asked him about them because I know he had a bad experience with them. It's just thinking right now since the room will chew up a bit of funds that are much better spent on my room then a piece of kit I will rarely use.

All for now. Gonna be a slow 2 weeks since my kids just got back from camp and I'm trying to do lots of family time….

Are any of you going to the NYC show in late Sept. Maybe we can all hook up there and listen to some rooms together. I know Merrill will be showing there…

Steve or Alex, are you showing as well?

Mattnshilp, check out the PS Audio CD spinner you can find this transport used on the Gon and sounds great.

Matt - usually the only shows I have time for are Newport Beach and RMAF in Denver, and sometimes only one of those. NY show is really expensive so hard to justify. I would like to do Montreal some time though.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

matt, check your audiogon mail, cheers.

Paul,

Alex,
Sounds like my kind of DAC.. I'd like to compare your DAC to my Totaldac rig, but we can't all be as cool as Matt ;)

A customer of mine traded-in a TotalDac few months ago (now with a new happy owner in Germany) and I also auditioned the monos at the High-End in Munich this year. In other words, I am well aware of how it sounds, both in my system and at the Munich show system they used.

Matt,

I think I am done showing in the USA for now. The goal here is attending the High-End in Munich Germany as an exhibitor. If you ever have the chance, I am sure you will be thrilled to see it. There were many reviewers and audiophiles from the USA too who I met this year, it was fantastic!

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi