Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I just replaced a very expensive shotgun speaker cable run (Audience AU24-SE) with a fairly affordable single speaker cable run (Merrill Audio Anap) and gained a significant improvement in my system's performance. System matching is everything. Of course, there are probably super expensive cables that match my current/new cables personality that will give me even better performance; I just need to figure out what they are.

Obviously my AU24-SE cables have been reviewed exceedingly well and are recognized as being great cables. They just didn't mix as well with my room and combination of equipment....

Matt, I agree. One reason I stay with Audioquest is because that's what Richard Vandersteen uses with his speakers and it's what my dealer demo's them with. When we've changed cables or even cords, I've heard a huge drop off and that includes that 5K power cord I mentioned earlier. Dealers and manufacturers know what sounds best with their products most of the time, however I'm sure they show their gear with whatever company wants to work with them. I could be wrong, but I know a few who show with companies that they don't personally own themselves as it makes for good business.

Lol. When I was in the Montreal show (less crowded and a LOT less formal) the reps in the room seamed to be very chatty. If I made a "negative" comment about a pair of speakers I didn't think was necessarily helping to make their electronics shine, they frequently thanked me for noticing and told me that they just get stuck with who they get stuck with, whether they feel the gear meshes well or not.

My point exactly Matt! My example is I was using an Audioquest Diamond USB cable, highly reviewed and from what was written a great sounding cable.. but I wasn't sure after a few months of listening.. A friend suggested that I try a Wireworld Platinum Eclipse.. Based on the reviews I figured the Wireworld wouldn't be as good a match, boy was I wrong.. In My System. the Wireworld trounced the Audioquest.. and sounded nothing like what various reviewers said about it.

Matt what I would strongly recommend is that once you settle on equipment more or less, that you borrow some cables from The Cable Company.. I think you'll find it really enlightening and far less expensive than buying, trying and then selling..

My 8 meter Shunyata ZiTron Anaconda S XLR purchase was through The Cable Company. I do plan on using them again. Great service, great communication. I am a huge fan of Shunyata. I'd love to try their top tier speaker wire as their interconnects and power cords & conditioners really make me smile.

I'm also intrigued by some of the Synergistic more esoteric room treatments and they let you try and return at The Cable Company. But I need to stabilize more concrete factors before playing with doodads and thingies. All in due time.

Looking forward to the Irvine show. Looks like it will be rather large with 10 floors of rooms. I only have 2 days and can't imagine I'll be able to do it all in just 2 days. But it's a fun challenge.