dcaudio
It would be difficult to improve upon the 205. I have one and it is approx equal to my W4S Dac (latest model- but sold). It is however behind the Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro that I now have. All three of these run the latest ESS chip. As a suggestion you can get a small - very small - improvement in your Oppo if you (1) open it up and place some dynamat inside, especially over the drive unit; and (2) place the unit on Sorbothane footers. (3) Ensure it is level. (4) Depending on your preamp and other gear there may be some benefit in using the balanced XLR connection.
I had an Accustic Arts Dac in my system for a two week trial. It had tubes and produced a very polished sound. It also looked good on the shelf. In the end I did not go for it as the improvement over the W4S was not sufficient to justify the large price.
For a sideways move you can try a Marantz or, better still, a Dac by Gieseler Audio. They are based on the AKM chip.
Apart from that you have to move to FPGA or Ladder resister type. I have not heard either of these types but they are expensive.
Andrei
It would be difficult to improve upon the 205. I have one and it is approx equal to my W4S Dac (latest model- but sold). It is however behind the Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro that I now have. All three of these run the latest ESS chip. As a suggestion you can get a small - very small - improvement in your Oppo if you (1) open it up and place some dynamat inside, especially over the drive unit; and (2) place the unit on Sorbothane footers. (3) Ensure it is level. (4) Depending on your preamp and other gear there may be some benefit in using the balanced XLR connection.
I had an Accustic Arts Dac in my system for a two week trial. It had tubes and produced a very polished sound. It also looked good on the shelf. In the end I did not go for it as the improvement over the W4S was not sufficient to justify the large price.
For a sideways move you can try a Marantz or, better still, a Dac by Gieseler Audio. They are based on the AKM chip.
Apart from that you have to move to FPGA or Ladder resister type. I have not heard either of these types but they are expensive.
Andrei