Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Melbguy
I can't find anyone in USA to get me a Vitus unit for audition. I was intrigued before and went through the motions. I don't think they are really well established in the USA. At least not on the east coast.

Alex keeps tempting me with his wonderful creations. I will certainly replace by prized ODSE if/when it is sufficiently humbled...

I also look forward to hearing Steve's new ODSX.

10-03-14: Bill_k
Melbguy1 - I'd be curious to know whether you've had the chance to audition the recently introduced Berkeley Reference DAC, and how it compares to the Vitus. It's priced at $16K but is supposed to be a new standard which excels at PCM decoding. Thanks in advance for your input!

Bill, I haven't heard the new Berkely Reference dac, though I had a read up on it. It sounds like it is firmly in the digital/resolution camp (ie: in the same catagory as msb, dcs, emm ect..very detailed but zero groove). Resolution and accuracy are important, but that means nothing if the music is missing soul and emotions. Tube dacs tend to excel at soul and emotions, whilst ss dacs like DCS excel at resolution/accuracy. Vitus is somewhere in the middle, kind of best of both worlds. Though in terms of engineering and build quality, you would not compare tubes to a Vitus product, unless you're talking about Kondo or something like that.

The comparative dacs price-wise in the Vitus line up are the RD-100 (which is a good option if you need a preamp), or new RCD-101 sacd player. Compared to the previous model (RCD-100) the RCD-101 has had an extensive rework including DSD/SACD compatability, a brand new sony drive, better power supply and a much improved dac section. This is now pretty much on par with the RD-100 sonically and amazingly, as good as the old Signature series SCD-010.

Matt, yeah VA have many more Dealers in Europe, but only 3 Dealers currently in the US. Here is a link to US Dealers fyi -http://www.vitusaudio.com/en/80211-North-America

Mel,
I have to agree with your assessment of certain DACs, "zero groove" describes it well. Some have the appeal of a precise laboratory instrument,analytical,clinical and cold. Just lacking in music's joy and emotional connection/involvement.
Based on your impression it's good Vitus avoided this "soulless" presentation.
Charles,

Charles, cheers. I tend to gravitate towards less analytical, more musical cd player/dacs. On reflection, all of my previous cd players have fallen into the latter category including my JVC XL-Z1050, Ayon CD-5, modded/re-tubed Ayon CD-5s & current Aesthetix Romulus. My litmus test as to whether I like the sound of a dac or cd player is whether I feel connected to the music, the sound is smooth and unfatiguing & it brings a smile to my face.