Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

Thankyou Guidocorrona for backing me on matts Esoteric K-01 player, I believe he will further benefit with your help I am sure, He also needs to talk to other owners as well, I do not want matt to get false impressions of the k-01 player, or frustrated with all the burn-in!, He has no idea that this player takes more burn-in than any player in the world!, but man, the out come is staggering!

08-31-14: Calvinj
@melbguy1 well I bought mine from that tube store and it was a huge debacle. No ayon cd2s for me ever again. It went bright and thin quick. The letters on the remote came off and then I got the most arrogant customer service I've ever had in my life. I wouldnt take an ayon product if the paid me to.

Hi Calvin, yeah i'm aware of the commentary regarding issues with that store, including AL's concerns. Knock on wood I never had any issues with my CD-5s which I bought through my local Dealer, but even though I enjoyed my time with my player, i've heard enough complaints from friends here on A'gon regarding serious failures, including multiple failures and poor warranty support from Ayon to scare me off Ayon for life, so we're on the same page bro!

08-31-14: Audiolabyrinth
Calvinj, Melbguy1 knows I bought my unit from, usa tubes audio,that is why he said barbecue store just like you bought your Ayon from the same place, LOL!

Keith I shouldn't laugh as I know your ordeal put you through the wringer, but I couldn't help it as I had a vision in my mind of barbeque legs coming off your player & smoke rising from the cd tray, lol!

@Mattnshilp, congratulations on your terrific Esoteric K-01! It sounds like you got it for a killer price. As a transport, it is excellent and probably has one of the best proprietary transports around, with bomb-proof build quality beyond reproach. It would certainly give the Reimyo CDP-777's legendary XL-Z900 transport a run for it's money, but I would have to give the Reimyo the edge (as transport). I think you'll have to see which combo you prefer (ie: the K-01 playing as a cd player, transport fed by your ODSE dac, or as a dac feeding your Mac Mini). The K-01 should have a good dac, but you may prefer the tonality and musicality of your ODSE dac in the loop. Have fun experimenting & let us know your thoughts!

As for my earlier advice, It hasn't changed. If you want a transport; Reimyo. If you need a good tube linestage and don't need DSD; 2nd hand Ayon CD-5s re-tubed & upgraded. If you want a good valve cd player, DSD & don't need a tube linestage; Aesthetix Romulus Signature. But the K-01 is a damn good transport though.

ps: Matt, if you're looking for a good value high end S/PDIF cable, i'd recommend the Jorma digital cable which is excellent value imho. 2nd choice would be the Nordost Valhalla 2, though i'd take the Jorma every time. You can buy this cable new from The Cable Co for $1100 & even try it out to see if you like it!