Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Well, if the sound of the PS Audio Bridge is representative of what Ethernet has to offer, count me out. I thought the Bridge, which streamed audio via an Ethernet connection, sounded awful. The PS Audio Perfect Wave Transport was miles better in sound quality, but is not the last word in high fidelity. When I read claims that Ethernet audio is or will be superior to computer audio, my gut reaction is just to stick with a CD transport until a big, reputable audiophile manufacturer comes out with a "plug and play" server that rips CDs, provides storage for backup, is easy to control with an iPad, and sounds stellar without the need for a high cost USB-SPDIF converter. It cannot cost what Lumin charges, and it cannot be from a "mom and pop" operation with one or two people on board. Maybe I am a Luddite...but I don't work in IT and so the inconvenience of getting a computer or Ethernet source up and running seems worse than the inconvenience of getting up from my chair to put a CD in a transport when I want to listen to music. End of rant.

Well said Mcondon, +1

"if the sound of the PS Audio Bridge is representative of what Ethernet has to offer"

Just speculating, but it might be a case of using an OEM module rather than designing it themselves. I have not seen what they use. This happens a lot in this industry. If enough vendors use the same OEM module and the SQ is mediocre, it can put the damper on an entire technology. Look at the large number of OEM USB modules that are in products for different companies, and the resultant bad experiences we hear about on this and other forums. Both USB and Ethernet are viable mediums and can both sound amazing.

"until a big, reputable audiophile manufacturer comes out with a "plug and play" server that rips CDs, provides storage for backup, is easy to control with an iPad, and sounds stellar"

You might see everything from your big manufacturer except the "sounds stellar" part. Big manufacturers almost never get it right IME. I have modded a LOT of their gear in the past. Even most of these companies use OEM modules rather than designing it themselves. Just look at the history. Its a very few small boutiques that get it right IME. Each designer has an area of expertise, so its really difficult to find a designer that is excellent in all areas. This is why even the big guys often resort to OEM modules. Even if they do design it themselves, the designer may not be particularly strong in the key areas.

Besides, why would a really good experienced designer work for someone else?

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Looked at the PS Audio Bridge. Looks like their own design. Its gotten some good reviews....

Mcondon,
In theory I totally understand your preference for the 'big established" manufacturers, they do suggest a sense of stability and confidence. It's been my experience/observation that it is the "cottage" 1 or 2 man companies who consistently produce the better sounding and more satisfying components. Be it DACs, speakers, cables amplifiers etc. They seem to get it right more often. It could certainly be the case that your experiences differ from mine.
Charles,