Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Yes, I'm in the back row to the right of center with glasses and goatee.  Not my most flattering pic though, lmao....

Close, but no cigar.  I am glad that USB is finally getting a look at that it just may not be the end all to PC audio.  The problem with USB (and why they sound so different, so unstable, prone to everything) is because USB data is transmitted in packets, and not a stream.  I just use spdif and have not played with the ethernet, etc but I have always kept away from USB.  USB is a belly button.  Every computer has one. PC manufacturers wanted to keep customer service costs down, so came up with usb audio, rather than having you open up your computer to install a sound card.  USB is the anus of your computer. I do't want my music coming out of there.  

4425 - yes Bricasti M1 was in my room. And now it’s not. This thread isn’t about if a DAC is good or bad, it’s about finding the best damn DAC out there for MY room and MY ears. I never imply that my opinion is THE opinion, just AN opinion. And everyone needs to remember that. I just like sharing on my journey and I love the company. And I have had a ton of great suggestions from the group along the way. If a DAC made it into my room, it’s one of the absolute best. So if you are looking and use my thread consider IF I listened to it and what my description of it was. I try to be honest and accurate. And as a reminder, I made a personal opinion to not consider tube DAC’s. Right or wrong, I just cut them out after my first round of auditions. It doesn’t mean they are t worth considering. Lascala, Golden Gate, etc. and a ton of other great tube DAC’s should be considered if tubes are in your equation. I just chose to not include them in mine. 

Thanks guys.

Cerrot, although I can not argue with your colorful analogy, I was under the impression that USB was streaming and Ethernet was packetized and buffered. The galvanic isolation of Ethernet and it’s packetized, buffered system allows lower error rates and less noise. USB is not inherently low noise. But if you have tried the USB output/input on several reference level servers and dacs the proof is in the pudding. USB, if properly isolated, filtered and implemented, provides crazy good sound.

I just don’t understand why I2S is not the standard, but it isn’t.

As I said, I think USB will eventually go away as Ethernet becomes better utilized and implemented. But just like optical was IT for a long time, USB is having its moment. I’m not sure which orifice it equates to, but it can’t be judged negatively simply because it’s USB. I’ve heard USB sound too damn good for it to be dismissed.

Here's the update:

i am in the thick of comparing the ODSX and the Emm DA2. I will hold reports until I am done. 

I ordered a Chord DAVE DAC and am going to arrange an Antipodes DX (version 2, which is supposedly light years ahead of the original version). Dave (Audio Doctor) is coming over Sunday morning with a Davinci LightHarmonic DAC, the top tier T&A DAC and the Baetis music server. We are going to have a huge shoutout between the Emm DA2, ODSX and N10 with his gear. Should be VERY illuminating.

My Chord DAVE and DX should be here in a few weeks.

I'm trying to arrange to get the CAD DAC and CAT music server in and have arranged for the TotalDAC DAC 12 & Music Server to come early summer. I'd still love to arrange to hear a Rossini in my room; I have some thoughts on that. 

Yes, there are a few reference tube DAC's I have not considered; I'm ok with that. Apologies to those who are tube dac fans. It is what it is. If you feel strongly enough for me to include them then you can arrange with the manufacturer or a dealer to contact me and arrange an audition. 

Also gonna have a buddy come over this summer (CTSooner) and bring his Ayre DAC so we can compare that little bad boy to the big bad boys. 

Fun times are afoot!