Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Matt, if you are using your digital set-up 75% of the time in your speaker auditions, IMO you should consider replacing the Mac mini with a dedicated audio server before making your final decision on speakers.
The difference between using a tricked out Mojo Mac mini with outboard linear power supply, and just about everything else that can be done to a mini, and changing to an Antipodes DX server was so significant in my system that I suspect the mini may be limiting the true abilities of the speakers you are trying, particular at the level of resolution your system displays.
To try and explain the differences, I would say the DX sounds more natural, and certainly more enjoyable, because of the absence of a bit of edginess displayed by the mini, in comparison, and because of improved body, tonal density and depth displayed through the DX. It is not particularly night and day but the last 5-10% rarely is.

Mitch2, you started a thread not too long ago on the subject of servers. Why did you choose the Antipodes over an Aurender?

Mitch2,
Your suggestion is a very good one.

Why did you choose the Antipodes over an Aurender?

As it shakes out, those would be the two companies I would look at if I were looking to purchase something today. I looked into a few others but found reasons not to pursue them. I like the minimalist Linux set-up used by Antipodes and how it is optimized ot operate extremely quietly.

There were three reasons I chose the Antipodes;
1. Good feedback - At the time I was looking, their top model (DX) had just come out and all of their lower models had excellent reviews based on sound quality, and Steve Nugent (Empirical Audio) said it was the only unit he had used that bettered his special 2009 mini with Hynes PS, etc.,
2. Expandability - At the time, they had an "extender" that could be used to serve music to any room/system from the main DX unit (they discontinued that and are supposed to be coming up with something "better" but it is taking a long time), and
3. Availability/Price - I was able to purchase a 2TB SSD DX at a discount from an outgoing dealer (they now have new USA representation and are adding dealers).

Since I purchased mine, there have been several rave professional reviews of the DX citing excellent sound quality.

If I were to purchase today, in addition to the DX, I would look at the Aurender N100 or the Antipodes DV Zero, both of which are set up to play music from a NAS. My DX is also capable of playing music from a NAS if I choose to implement a "direct playback" set-up, but, for now, 2TB is more than enough solid state storage for lossless FLAC files. In addition to great sound quality, I like the Antipodes because of the easy on-board ripper, just load a CD disc and 5 minutes later it is copied, stored and cataloged. Dave Clark complained about the Vortex Box interface not being compelling enough in appearance, but it looks and works just fine on my iPad. I haven't seen the Aurender interface, maybe it looks cooler.

The DV zero, when properly set-up, is apparently equivalent in sound quality to the DX, but at a lower price. Here is what they say;

By eliminating internal storage, the DV Zero has been specifically optimised for 'direct' playback from a NAS. The DV Zero achieves a sound quality level that comes close to the DX, therefore offering the ideal solution for people with large music collections demanding the best possible sound quality.

I will close by saying I am completely happy with the sound quality of the DX and happy I purchased one instead of continuing to try and improve my system around the mini. BTW, you can purchase the DX with a SSD up to 3TB in size.

CTSooner

Thanks for the Seven MkII review. This says it all as to how incredible these speakers are.