Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

AOL - the Diamond SX is significantly better than the SE. Better focus, more 3-D, better imaging. Literally everything going on in the music track is crystal clear and pinpoint image.

The Diamond is some bling to insure that the customer feels that his investment is worth it and also to distinguish my top DAC from the Overdrive SE. Its also nice to point out that even the dCS at 5-10X the price does not have any diamonds on it. This definitely beats it.

There is literally nothing I can think of that would make this DAC have better SQ, at any price. I'm already using the best capacitors on the planet.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Let me know when your Diamond SX is ready for prime-time production model is ready for an audition. I'm dying to hear it!!!!

Over Drive - Diamond SX

ODDSX

I like it.

Thoughts for best sound possible:
--> Upgraded all internal wire and cable, Upgrade footers to reduce vibration, upgrade cabinet to reduce micro resonance and increase damping, isolate and separate power supply (do you need to go to a separate power supply for left and right channel?), upgrade all cable connections, upgrade umbilical power cord, isolated DAC's and schematics for DSD and PCM (although I think the SX is PCM only), improve upon those recessed toggles all the way on the right (they are not easy to flip). That's it. I'm no engineer, but these are the first things the other guys do...

Just thinking out loud.

That did jog me. One possibility is an external linear supply rather than the SMPS I use. I would be really big box though, about 10X of the DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Steve, since your still prototyping then a linear power supply test might not be a bad idea as a comparison. I'm sure it's quite an investment in time and parts but the rewards, to your loyal customer base, justify the barriers.

I'm happy to help with your testing and offer auditions/opinions on different designs. With my new room and a bit of an upgrade on my gear (to be shortly announced) I think my system will be rather resolving and show the finesse needed to identify the subtle differences and improvements you are trying to achieve.

Cheers!

Steve, If both are implemented to a very high level will a linear power supply sound better than a SMPS? Your new DAC is an all out effort so I realize every aspect matters. I know that power supplies are a crucial factor.
Best of luck,
Charles.