Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

I was very impressed by the Bricasti M1 at Axpona. Merrill (of Merrill Audio) has arranged a loaner and he will be brining one over mid June. I'll report my findings. That LaScala sounds lovely. Enjoy it!

Regarding the Regen. I'm not sure it would make much difference on my ODSE. I'm checking on their site to see if it has a money back guarantee. It's not expensive, but still.... I'd welcome inout from Steve on that as well, although he usually takes a summer hiatus. Not sure if he's around...

Just purchased the Bricasti. Can't imagine meaningfully better performance. Went from a JRDG Aeris which too was very good but actually a little over detailed(bright) for my tastes. I had not expected that. It's still a great unit though. Bricasti just a bit warmer with less etch. Very musical.

It would be fun to have several of these top DACs all together for comparison at the same time. I suspect the result would be that the performance of most of these "flagship" DACs would end up more a matter of being "somewhat different but not meaningfully better," although some may mate with certain equipment better.

Listening to the LaScala here today and it may be complemented a bit better through the Atsahs, which seem to have an iron grip on the lower registers. The LaScala has tons of drive and the music is clear, full-toned and as loud as you want it without any sign of strain. Through the SMc DNA-2 LAE, it may display a bit better dimensionality but it is beautiful sounding through both amps and more of the "total package" when played through the Atsahs, because of their grip on the bass. The distributer suggests trying something other than the stock power cord, which I will do later today or tomorrow.

The Hex seems to sound a little better through the SMc amp. I would really like to hear the Bricasti and the ODSE but like 4425 says,

Can't imagine meaningfully better performance,

at least through my system.

I will have the Pavane through here in a few weeks so that should be interesting too.

Matt, the Regen is designed to improve all USB, so most likely. There are owners of VERY high end DAC's that have reported a noticeable and worthwhile improvement when using the Regen. Though the last time I looked Uptone Audio does not have a money back on its web site I believe if you ask Alex he will work something out for you on the Regen.

Attention, Uptone Audio has just announced a Significant Upgrade to the Regen for all future orders and an upgrade for all current owners. This upgrade is a 40-50% increase in performance.

FYI, I have no affiliation of any kind with Uptone Audio.

Just a fellow Audiophile that wants to let other Audiophiles know about a GREAT product.