Looking for a DAC recommendation from the below in light of my particular DAC goal... which is, in brief, to most clearly hear the flaws in recordings. So, a DAC that allows as pure a window into the flaws as possible without introducing its own color, musicality, impressiveness, etc. I recognize this can get nuanced (e.g. pre-ringing/linear phase vs. minimum phase/no pre-ringing), but your opinions are appreciated. Load is 22kOhm.

Buffalo IIIse with IVY-III and LCDS/LCBS (S/PDIF in)
OPUS with TP S/PDIF TXR, IVY-III and LCDS/LCBS
COD with TP S/PDIF TXR, IVY-III and LCDS/LCBS (if COD will be restocked?)
ES9018 eval board w/ stock PS
WM8741 eval board w/ generic linear reg. PS
AD1955 eval board w/ generic linear reg. PS

or variants on these (please justify)

Thanks!

Edited by user Friday, March 15, 2013 3:49:03 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi,
not meaning to hijack this thread, but I have pretty same question with slightly difference situation.

Between four of the setup below:

1. Lynx Two using AES/EBU mode to Twisted Pear BIII DAC (+ single AES/EBU Level converter kit?) + Legato IV (balanced output)

2. Lynx Two using AES/EBU mode to Twisted Pear BIII DAC (+ single AES/EBU Level converter kit?) + IVY IV (balanced output)

3. Lynx Two using S/PDIF mode to Twisted Pear BIIISE + Legato IV (balanced output)

4. Lynx Two using S/PDIF mode to Twisted Pear BIIISE + IVY IV (balanced output)

Balanced analog output is a must in my situation, any technically or sound wise opinions/suggestion regarding the DAC setup is really appreciated.

Thank You.

Edited by user Saturday, August 10, 2013 6:56:14 AM(UTC)  | Reason: typo

Hi Brian,

Thank You for the info.