Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

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.

I had the good fortune of hearing the Computer Audio Design (CAD) which I think is a USB DAC - whereby you rip cd's to a computer first. Scott Berry also makes a kind of player/ripping device. I am not entirely sure ass to connectivity with your front end, but it was utterly brilliant - very natural, no glare, no hash, it was to all intents and purposes just right - I have never heard digital that 'right'. I've heard DCS which is fabulous but as a sort of CD High Res sound to it, Burmester has a certain luxury, MBL I recall had a Burmestereque luxury as well. But the CAD - that was something else - effortless correctness