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Oppo 105 D vs. DAC-transport combination.

To my great dismay, the more I listen, I’m finding my Oppo 105 is outperforming a very well thought of DAC and transport combination for which I paid 3x the price.  Basically the sound stage is wider and better defined.
Both the DAC and transport are less than a year old.  I thought I was upgrading.
Played by itself, the DAC-transport combo sounds great.  Until I compare it to the Oppo. 
I can’t understand it!
rvpiano

Showing 3 responses by audioconnection

audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Greetings Shardone
 I strongly disagree
 I have 3 customers that brought in their Benchmark DACs
The Ayre Codex easily outperformed the above.
one fellow in disbelief brought his 600 dollar power cord with him and insisted it would make the difference, The stock cord on the Ayre Codex
was still obvious that it outperformed the Benchmark.
An AQ thunder Power cord and Ayre Codex together are very special.
 Best,
  JohnnyR
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Johnny,

(((Isn’t the Ayre Codex primarily a headphone amp?)))

No, its also one of the Best Dacs we have heard for under 5 K period
USB input and Optical. a discrete analog balanced output stage
I would suggest you hear it.
JohnnyR
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Shardone
 Have you done a direct comparison?
Meter reader has nothing to do with its performance
Its op amps in the Benchmark Vs discrete devices in the Ayre
 If you listen you will switch I promise you its ugly but truth
 Listen to RCA Heifetz/Munch Boston/ violin hardest thing to do and the Ayre's finesse will be obvious with overtones all intact and you will thank me.
Best ,
 JohnnyR
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