Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

AudioL - the ODSE uses the same volume control. It does not need to get "better" IMO. Already the best out there.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Have to share...I have the OSDE now. It's got all the updates I assume. I have a Synchro mesh and the mac mini server with the Paul Haynes power supply. I have Steves usb cable (waiting on the short block) and a BNC cable he made for connecting the supply to the mac. I use AQ Niagara balanced into the Ayre AX7e, Vandersteen Treo with AQ Castle Rock.cables.

I also use a Basis TT with Benz cart and Heed phono, so I have analog as a reference in my system. The OSDE needs to still break in a bit, but WOW.....Now I hear what the fuss is about. I've heard most of the big name DACS now and there are some major disconnects for me with most of them.

I know I like something when I relax and just listen. I can't do that with digital most of the time. On rare occasions I've been able to. I'm really loving what I"m hearing in my system right now and I know it will get better. I can't wait to hear it once it's all broken in. Hopefully I can get the Vandy Treo CT's soon too as that will help.

Audioengr, Are you saying the ODSX Diamond has the same volume control as the ODSE?, If I recall, matt had problems with the volume control not doing no sound at all when turned all the way down, matt, Am I correct on remembering this?, Steve, this is why I asked if the volume control would be better?

Audiol - it has the same volume control. It has internal jumpers if you need zero volume to be more quiet. I think mute is a better choice if you need it dead quiet. This is a part of the volume technology. it does not go to zero unless you mute.

I have used the ODSE for many years and never needed zero on the volume.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Steve walked me through set up last week on mine and using Ayre gear you can tell if something isn't quiet. I have the volume control on, but I don't use it and I hear NOTHING from the tweeter when I'm not playing anything. Not sure if that's what you guys are talking about, but the noise floor is very very low and it helps with the overall sound. I accidentally let the system on last night and went up this morning to turn it off. I put on a few cuts and DAMN did it sound sweet. I can tell it's starting to burn in as the stage is bigger. Instruments are no where near the speaker (the sound is wall to wall). The bass is tightening up and so tuneful. I didn't expect this and it's not fully burned in yet. The Vandy's have never sounded so nice to me. Me needs to upgrade now, lol....