Opera Audio Consonance reference 2,2 CdD Player

Platsolos

May be you havnt use Sonic Frontiers SFCD1 CDP before. This is the only CDP (from my knowledge) that SF offered in its product line. SFCD1 doesnt come with any digital output coz designer from SF believes this is the best ever and no need to use another DA to intepretate the sound.

I have ever use SFCD1, then tried a lot of CDP at the course of time. Wadia 8, 830, Meridian 508.24 588, Linn Ikemi, Sony SCD777ES, Marantz SA12S1, etc...........all lose to SFCD1 which is using Ultra analog 20bit DA chip. This is ancient technology comparing to the 24/192 or 48/384 digital technology. But it wins

It gives the kind of sound sweetness and involvement especially when you are listening to vocal player like Norah Jones, Shirley Bassey, Diane Kral, Aaron Neville, etc. Others players mentioned are just giving rather cool and non-live sound. Though may be giving a little bit more details. But it is just like a piece of paper, never feel about 3D when comparing to SFCD1.

Opera 2.2, well, I hooked it up to play with the recent SFCD1 then I played for 5 months. And it is no way that SFCD1 win over as Opera is offering high level of resolution, 24/192, sweetness level is better than SF. Emm.........I will say SFCD1 is a strong man and Opera is a nice lady when playing with vocal. Sound offering from Opera is very gentle which you never feel fatique after long time listening.

May be you will have complaint about the nevigation button for Opera 2.2 operation. But I think this is an innovative design which offer greater level of interest when you are playing with it. Look is COOL, whereas SFCD1 looks a bit old in appearence now.

I have ever did a direct comparison with Electrocompaniet EMC1UP vs Opera 2.2. Both models can win over each other in all aspect. EMC1UP give higher level of resolution and more lively music (LP feel, it even wins over my P3+Exact MM Catrridge, hard to believe, but its true), but sound is still a little bit bright comparing to Opera. Never compare both on XLR performance. But I think EMC1UP which offers 24/192 XLR analog output will win over Opera whose giving 24/96 (without tube buffer) XLR analog output.

NOW, think about it and give me a shout if you still have confusion. Again this is not advertisement, but live experience.

Dealer Disclaimer

Hi,

We chose the Consonance 2.2 to carry after being extremely impressed with what we heard at CES2003. The 2.2 is a natural, transparent, open and overall musical performer in comparison to the competition. It has the "magic" that is partly due to the wonderfully designed 6H30 tube stage. A very analog sounding player that has a remote volume control( motorized analog) for running directly to an amp and XLRs for balanced performance. One of a handful of fine players that emotionally attaches you to the music. It looks as good as it sounds.

audiolon.com

I have used Counterpoint CD + DAC, TEAC VRDS25, and now Consonance Ref 2.2
This CD player is all what i want, it is not a sophisticated player, but it is a natural sound cd player
some people never consider with product from china, but after reading many comment above I think you have to try to listen

So, its really good cdp eh? I've gotta try it.

But, is it really eight inches in thickness, and 18 kgs in weight? Woa, this cd player is huge! That dimension reminds me of the old (early units) of Betamax video player circa 1980s!

Pls. advice what interconnects work best with it. I wonder if Silver Audio SB4 will match, or the Audio Note KSL-SPz, or if copper will still work fine, like the Analysis Plus Oval 1.

The only concern I have is whether to leave the unit turn ON constantly as there is a tube output (RCA). I have it hooked up both XLR and RCA but mostly it play through XLR -more headroom and presence.
Just wondering what is the opinon of the other owners?

Other than the minor concern, the Consonance is rather impressive sonically, especially given the price point.
Add to it, there are postings which have made A/B comparsion with the Meridian 508 and Sonic Frontiers - all have found favor with the Consonance. I have had the pleasure of keeping a Wadia 860x for awhile and when I sold it, I regretted it immmediately.
The Consonance while can not fulfill what the 860x can do, I have to say it is rather a close subsitute. The 860x still has great realism which I only miss now.