Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

CTsooner- I'm in same boat. Lumin and a few others ( Aurender, CAD, Total DAC, Antipodes, YFS, Auralic, Meridian and more coming every day) pique my interest. I want server separate from DAC.

Some think dedicated audiophile grade server is clearly better, others say a dedicated computer is the way to go....

I'm waiting for now. I think there is a transition happening with more use of Ethernet and USB and a move away from SPDIF as server source replaces Transport. It's interesting to watch but I'm not ready to jump on the train just yet. Especially with the kind of performance and convenience I'm getting from my Mac Mini.

Is there better? No doubt! But I'll watch for a bit unless a killer deal offers itself.

Hey Matt. Is that the new SOTA dedicated *DeWalt* server I see in your new room build? Let's us know how that works out for you... LOL!

Matt, we are in total agreement. I need to start ripping and i have an older Macbook Pro (Late 2008). I will go to Johnny's and get the top AQ digital cable to use for ripping. I"ll most probably get the Synology NAS. SS or HHD? Anyone??? Then I can at least start to rip and save my many CD's. After than I"m hoping that a ton of new servers will be unveiled today at CES. Do I throw Bryston into this mix? Looks like the Aria for 1500 could be a great buy.
My biggest problem with going with this Lumin or some of the other companies who are new to the dance is that there won't be support if something fails in a few years (i.e. so many newer companies or hobbyists just don't make it. See Meadowlark speakers). It's a fact. I know that so many of the products (especially digital) are awesome and almost affordable for me right now, but I'm scared of the support. I think that's why I go to Audio Connections and listen to John. He knows what he's talking about and what goes best with MY system. I've had two others I've dealt with over the years who I felt the same about..Bruce at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego in the 80's and then Bruce Kutin of now defunct Ocean State Audio in Prov, RI.

I read this amazing thread and see guys from Empirical Audio and read about how great his products are, but they are probably out of my league and I don't want so many boxes in my system. I"m serious about my music and will have a 25k system or so when it's done. Maybe even more eventually, but afraid to just hop on right now.
Please pick apart my fears, lol.

Matt, read your system page, I do like the name of your page as well, awsome thing's going on there at your home, congrats are in full order, cheers matt.

matt, Read your page again, this my friend is important.