2. digital
  3. 1188575189

Best budget CDP?

I'm putting together a small two channel system based around a pair of Zu Druids and small tube hybrid intgrated amp that I got as part of a HCT HMS-100 package (same as the Vuum Audio VTi-B1 or the Dared MP-5 without the USB port). Also considering upgrading to a Onix SP-3, but that's a differnt story.

I need to find a decent CDP that would be a nice match for this budget system. $1000 would be my max, but I would really like stay ~ $500 if possible, but not if I can't get a nice sounding unit at this price.

I'm also putting a small LCD or Plasma in this room so a nice univeral unit would be even better, but music performance in paramount. Another consideration which makes a univerval unit an attractive option is that I would still have a spare set of inputs to add a TT down the road if I decide to get back into LP's.

Thoughts/suggestions will be much appreciated.

BTW, I only have BB/CC in our town, so I really don't have the option to listen to much and this is why I must ask for help. Used is fine.

Thanks.
jack_dotson

Showing 3 responses by reubent

reubent
7,072 posts
 
Jack,

You might want to check out an EVS mod'd Oppo Univeral player. Ric Shultze at EVS is one of the early mod'rs and has been doing it for years. He previously built the EVS Millenium DACs, but now only does mod-ing.

I haven't heard the mod'd unit personally, but I have been conversing with some extremely satisfied customers who have owned many dedicated CD players priced $2000-$10000+ and they are happy with this mod'd Oppo now. I'm not saying they think the Oppo is the complete equal of a $10000+ digital rig, but they did say they were happily living with the Oppo.

BTW, if you send a new Oppo player to Ric for mods, he will provide a complete money back offer in the event you are not satisifed.

I'm currently considering the EVS mod'd Oppo to use as the CD/SACD/DVD-A player for my 2-channel rig, connected direct to a power amp (using the Oppos built-in remote volume control), plus I would use it as the DVD player via HDMI output to my HT system which is in the same room.

The Oppo could cover all of your format needs for as little as about $500-600.

Check it out: tweakaudio.com

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,072 posts
 
Jack and All,

I bought an EVS level 2 mod'd OPPO 970 today. I'll have it probably by week's end, so feel free to ping me if you want to hear my thoughts on the mod'd unit.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,072 posts
 
Jack,

I did get the EVS level 2 mod'd Oppo970. It is a really good sounding player! It is probably the most detailed, most resolving digital players I've ever heard. It also has really great bass definition and drive.

I would recommend it for anyone wanting a highly resolving source, but it could be too much of a good thing in an already analytical sounding system. I'm not saying its analytical sounding by itself, but is seems to be very accurate and highly resolving so it could possibly sound ruthless with poor recordings. But it really sings with good recordings.

Enjoy,

TIC
More to discover