Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

09-13-15: Audiolabyrinth
Matt,that isis speaker has decent specs,however, why would you buy foreign speakers, the jbl dd-67000 everest speakers are horn loaded like the ones your looking at,give them an audition.

He should buy whatever sounds like music. Specs be damned. Some speakers I have heard measure ruler flat but sound like death....

It is said that many listeners think they want a system with flat frequency response, until they hear one! My experience agrees with Agear's.

Agear,
I agree 100% with your statement. You have to listen as Matt is effectively demonstrating with his speaker auditions.

Guido - excellent point. I can't imagine these speakers have many hours on them at all. They are essentially brand new. Thank you for reminding me of my core processes. I will immediately start burning them in, I'll bet that's it.

Audiolabyrinth - The T&F are made in Austria, Dynaudio are Danish and Marten are Swedish. Those are my 3 front runners right now. The JBL DD-67000 are dual 15" drivers and are 38" wide; way too big for my small room. I have heard them and they are great, but not a match for my needs.

Bill_K - I measured the Lawrence Audio Double Bass while I had them on loan and they measured practically flat as a line in my room. They were technically exceptional, and completely uninvolving. I was fascinated by the many peaks and valleys of the Coltrane Tenor and the magic they created. My new Consequence Ultimates measure even worse then the Tenors did, but the proof and truth is in the ear of the beholder, not the measurements.... I know John Atkinson disagrees...

If all goes well, I will shortly be comparing the Emm Labs DAC 2X with the Aesthetix Romulus Sig, and my ODSE. Keep your fingers crossed.

Matt, are you planning to audition Lampizator Golden Gate? I am asking as I plan to upgrade my Lampi L4 and GG is one of my top choices. Other candidates are Bricasti, TotalDac and Rockna. Sadly, MSB Analog is no longer on the list. I have been listening to MSB Analog + Powe Base for the last 3 weeks and comparing it to my Lampi L4. No contest, Lampi is better on all fronts, especially with DSD. It's a pity, I've had really high hopes for MSB. Other MSB models may be better, but they are out of my price range.
I would love to try ODSE, but not sure if I can get one in Moscow, where I am based. Any other recommendations?
Thanks