Current Inexpensive CD Vs High Priced 90's


Looking for advice as there are few dealers in my area to make comparisons with my own ears.

I'm having a bad stereo year & a bad financial year. Latest piece of gear to go is my PS Audio SL3 D/A. Repair MAY be an option, but there are no highly regarded shops anywhere near me.

The PS Audio is HDCD, but tops out at 20/96. I've been running the PS Audio with a 90's Teac/Esoteric P10 & Illuminati Digital Cable. The combined list on the 2 pieces + cable in the 90's when purchased was around $3200. I like the sound of the combination quite a bit.

With that said, how much of a downgrade sonically would the Oppo DV-980H be compared to my current rig?

Any other suggestions for an inexpensive solution (either 1 piece or outboard d/a)? My Esoteric Transport still plays perfectly, but on cdr's sometimes thinks about it for awhile before playing.

The rest of the system is a Mod Squad Line Drive deluxe pre, a mediocre Adcom 555 Mk 2 that I also hope to replace, NHT 2.5I speakers & various 90's Tara cables.
moomoo

Showing 2 responses by pettyofficer

I am not familiar with the Pioneer DV-578a. I am currently using a Pioneer Elite DV-58AV, with modified XLR Digital/ XLR Analog-SACD-DVD-Audio. CD sounds excellent through a STL DA-64XT Super. I have never been that impressed with 2-Channel SACD/DVD-Audio, especially the dual layer hybrid SACD Disks. Multi-Channel SACD/DVD-Audio Downmixed to 2-Channels by the Pioneer DV-58AV, takes Digital to a whole new level. Sounds three times as better than any 2-Channel SACD, Hybrid, DVD-Audio Disk. This player was on sale for only $275.00. Hi-resolution Multi-Channel Downmixes sets a whole new Standard, and it doesn't cost thousands. You can even go extra Amps and Speakers if you want, I still prefer the 2-Channel Downmix, but you would still have that option.
Moomoo, can the 578 play Multi-Channel SACD/DVD-Audio, or 2-Channel Downmixes of both? The results put straight 2-Channel SACD/DVD-Audio Disks to shame, no matter what the Sampling Rate!