I can't compare my rig to the others discussed, but I am very happy with what I have: Cambridge Azure CD player as a drive (not using upsampling) into PS Audio Directstream Sr. with Bridge II. I also have an OPPO 105 and recently did a comparison with it as a drive and the Cambridge was clearly better: depth, drive, transparency, overall imaging. This goes into Rowland pre and mono blocks, then Totem Forest Signatures and a Gallo sub. The PS with Bridge is about 6k new. I got the Cambridge used for a reasonable amount and it seems to be much more solid than the OPPO. Hope this helps.
Moving up from an Oppo 205
I have an Oppo 205 that I am using as a DAC with an Aurrender N100 via USB. It sound surprising good and actually a better sounding (and functioning DAC) than the one in My McIntosh C2500. I not only listen to my collection of Hi-Rez files but also now Tidal with MQA. What would be a noticeable upgrade for a DAC and or DAC with steaming abilities.
Only from a 2ch audio perspective.
Thank you
Only from a 2ch audio perspective.
Thank you