Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I agree completely with Jon2020.... At about 200/250 hours, K-01 starts becoming a very enjoyable machine... Just be aware that... "You ain't heard nopn'" yet.... There is likely to be even better to come for a spell. So, if you are not yet in rapture at this point, be patient and postpone panicking and placing an Agon ad for a while.

On the other hand, if panic / buyer's remorse could not be avoided, Do not worry about it.... Some lucky adoptive parent will pick up the "little" beauty and love its music on your behalf.

Concerning filter/upsampling settings.... I felt in my own system that 4X + S_dly2 offered a balance of resolution versus musicality that suited me. On the other hand, I might not have broken in the DSD engine to completion. Besides... A personal preference is exactly that... A personal, and often temporary matter.

Bottomline, K-01 is an amazingly flexible tool... It can deliver enjoyment to many, but not to all, within a variable amount of break-in time... Let us leave "Beliefs" and the pursuit of absolutes where they belong.

G.

I've been very pleased with my Playback Design DAC 5, has external usb conversion box, lot's of inputs. I use it for my hi res computer system, my Qsonix server via digital AES, and my Oppo 105 via digital RCA. it up samples to DSD, or 2xDSD, and makes whatever source I use sound great. It's been a reliable rock, and I've experienced outstanding customer service and guidance on all things DSD and JRiver from both my local sales team of Ed, as well as Jon Tinn himself. Can't ask for more than that. It has stood the test of time in my rig. Just my opinion of course, and with the synergy of my system.
Fun to reach for the stars....

AudioL, you missed the simple point. Jon2020 and I and others are not saying it does not change beyond 200 hours. I suppose gear changes it's whole life the older it gets! No kidding. The point is not to go OCD on hearing the parts age!

Matt, I presume the OSDE will be DSD capable soon. Listening to DSD through the L7 is a wonder....

I am not sure about ODSE ever being DSD compatible. Maby Steve can chime in on that. I'm still not on the DSD wagon as the mass of my music is red book (hence the thread title). I got the K-01 to play discs and convert DSD from the computer. I'm curious to see how the K-01's DAC compares red book to the ODSE.

I tried listening to my turntable today. Something's amiss. It plays but sounds thin. I need someone with analog experience over to help.... Sigh.

Still cooking the esoteric. I'm putting Wed aside to listen to my ODSE. Now that it's fully burned in, I want to make sure it sounds as good as the demo ODSE I had. Then I'll start listening to the esoteric a bit more and reporting.

Word on the DSD-S front is that it's on its way back. I need more time!!

For those who appreciate it, I have a brand new Yamaha C2X grand piano being delivered Monday afternoon. I'm VERY excited. And my son, who really makes those ivory's singe, is even more excited.

Also, next Saturday I'm picking up a 2013 Porsche Boxster S PDK/sport chrono pack/active suspension management & torque vectoring. Got it certified pre-owned for a steal!

Not showing off at all, just really excited about some of my audiophile related and not so related hobbies!