Originally Posted by pompon
My soundcard and my cd player let it in the dust in every aspect.
I prefer more immersive bass with good bottom, warm and not laid back vocals with good body (if bass is thin, can't have body ...).
Your "cd player" being Audio Research CD3 MkII in your sig? That was ARC's reference tubed CDP just a few years back at MSRP $5500. OMZ just the DAC costs like $450-500.
As far as your Azuntech soundcard, I would have to personally compare to believe that one.
Or.. it is possible you like the rich, warm signature of Crystal DAC chipset (ARC) and AKM DAC (Azuntech) over AD1852, which I personally prefer..