Best Digital Front End Period!

Thanks Craig. The purpose of this post if you haven't already guessed is that I am looking to upgrade my digital front end which by todays standards and the rest of my system is a dinosaur (JVC 1050 CD Transport; P.S. Audio Ultralink DAC, Cardas Lightning). Problem is I mostly listen to analog and digital, even with all its obvious advantages, always kind of irritated me over long term listening. I have however noticed an improvement with cabling and anti-jitter devices in the system. Now appears to be the time to really consider going all the way. I am really leaning towards a good DVD transport with an upsampling DAC unit, BUT the all in one CD units also have their proponents. Problem is sorting it all out. Unfortunately for me and a big problem is there is no dealer close by to audition these various products. I recently tried an NBS cable and THAT was a dramatic improvement in overall smoothness, really reduced that digital edge. With reference to Diana Krall, I find her voice on her recordings very well done, the instruments however sound electronic especially her piano. Maybe the digital? I thought it sounded more like the recording. Will

Yes I do have a budget in mind, but prefer not to reveal it since it really isn’t relevant to the question posed. I am getting a lot of conflicting information on SOTA concerning digital. I am not nearly as enlightened as many are. Adding to my confusion are the many differing opinions over various digital products. Can I reasonably expect that a relatively inexpensive DVD Transport and upsampling DAC unit (Pioneer 525 and Bel Canto for example) is going to approach the current acknowledged SOTA units (Linn Sondek, for example)? I have heard through some industry people that I can get close and one listener in another thread confirmed that. So the question posed is to find out if indeed there is a concensus on a specific unit or units that represent the SOTA or if there are, what appears to me, many differing opinions. If so are the differences subtle or dramatic? I will spend what I need to get what I want if it’s worth it to me. I personally fail to see how a digital front end or a good turntable tonearm combo (not cartridges) is as system dependent as other components, they are either better or not. Am I wrong in my impressions? I hope these questions are answered.

Crm-linc Thank you. I have indeed spoken with Steve at length concerning his ARC mods, a nice caring guy. I am considering upgrading my SP-8 in the near future, no reason to get rid of that pre-amp for what it would cost to replace it, but then again... who knows? I have heard of his legendary Wadia mods. I am still struggling with digital, just got a new DAC Friday a week ago. I won't mention the name but so far I am not too happy but maybe it hasn't broken in yet, the highs are bleeding my ears it is sooo metallic and forward sounding. Even with my moderate analog front end, the digital just doesn't resolve the music in the same manner. Oh what to do! Thanks for the tip I will probably give Steve a call to see what he offers if this DAC doesn’t work out. I have noticed a big improvement in my Ultralink with a friend's Assemblage Jitter bug in the circuit, it may not be the best out there but it took off most of the edge that the Ultralink alone has and certainly is smoother and listenable, I can’t listen to the new DAC for more than a few minutes at a time and it has been running continuously since I got it. I was assured by the dealer that this was to be expected. It has one more week to "break in" or back it goes. Thanks again Will