I read your post carefully and am still recommending the new Rega Apollo R as transport and a decent DAC which could be one of many. The transport on the new Rega is simply terribly good. I'm running one with a Decware DAC through all Manley electronics and Penaudio Cenya monitors and it is terrific.
Rega Apollo - DAC / Player to beat it
One of these days, my Rega Apollo is either going to die or ill just decide I want something better. But by better, I mean significantly better. Using an analogy, not like looking for more power and going from 50 watts to 65 watts. More like 50 watts to 200 watts. I know, bad analogy. Basically sonic improvement that is obvious.
So, what price level, models, brands would I have to be looking at?
So, what price level, models, brands would I have to be looking at?