I struggle with lists. Seems to me, they’re either too short or too long and rarely, if ever, are they just right.
I made the move to limit my lists of Favorite Gear—Digital, Amplifiers, and Speakers—a few months back which now tops out at 20 Favorites per list. I fear this limit may get expanded over time but I plan to make a real effort to stick to 20 even though when I look at these lists of Favorites they seem both too short and too long. I struggle with lists.
You may have noticed that I’ve made reference to a Short List in a few reviews, something I shared with Patrons a while back—Favorites among Favorites. A handful of gear that appeals to my desire to prune.
Following is my Short List of Favorite Digital Gear as of this moment in time (March 2026). As you’ll see, one item on the list was just reviewed last week which accounts for the shorter life span of the Short List as compared to the longer life span of Favorites. When something new (to me) and better—according to my preferences—comes along it replaces something else, a necessity for maintaining a Short List which is a snapshot in time.
Let me stress that this Short List represents my preferences in every way including features and performance.
TM’s The Short List: Favorite Digital
HoloAudio Red DDC & Network Streamer ($998) | Review (September 2024)
If you like the idea of digital separates—network streamer + DAC—the HoloAudio Red is a solid performer at a very nice price. In terms of features it packs a lot into its small Red form factor including support for Roon, Audirvana, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay, and UPnP as well as 5 digital outputs including AES and IS2. I bought one.
Wattson Emerson ANALOG Streaming DAC ($1750) | Review (November 2023)
If you prefer a one box solution that’s simple, solid, and very good sounding, Wattson’s Emerson ANALOG is the one to get. Ethernet in, analog out with support for Roon, Audirvana, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay, and UPnP.
Imersiv D-1 DAC ($12,000) | Review (March 2026)
If you want to hear the best sounding stand alone DAC I’ve heard, you need to listen to the Imersiv D-1. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Grimm Audio MU1 Music Player (starts at $14,800) | Review (October 2023)
The Grimm MU1 is more than a network streamer as it adds Roon Server capabilities. There may be a better sounding network streamer out there but I haven’t heard it. I own one.
Grimm Audio MU2 Music Player (starts at $20,600) | Review (May 2024)
Grimm again. The MU2 wraps up all your digital needs, and more, into one friendly and great sounding package. Roon server, network streamer, DAC, and a very good sounding preamplifier with analog volume control and a pair of analog inputs. I dare say, when everything is taken into account, the MU2 may also be a bargain in the grand scheme of hifi things.