That Arcam player looks pretty good. My question would be is there a DAC/Transport combo that could beat the sound quality of the Arcam for redbook, forgetting the SACD? I don’t think in terms of functionality, you will beat that, except for of course a decent universal player that does UHD Blu-Ray which is top tier disc sound right now (as far as I know). As far as somewhat current, this Pioneer fits the bill as I’m sure some Oppo did.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Elite-UDP-LX500-Universal-Player/dp/B07HCL34WK
I have a very low-end DSD SACD machine and some discs even shine through there. But for some music it just doesn’t make much difference, despite the big story. So I stopped at about 50 after ten years or so. If I was doing it again, I’d go universal as Blu-Ray audio has some deals as someone posted recently. But it depends what type of music you are after as well as mentioned.
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Elite-UDP-LX500-Universal-Player/dp/B07HCL34WK
I have a very low-end DSD SACD machine and some discs even shine through there. But for some music it just doesn’t make much difference, despite the big story. So I stopped at about 50 after ten years or so. If I was doing it again, I’d go universal as Blu-Ray audio has some deals as someone posted recently. But it depends what type of music you are after as well as mentioned.