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Thoughts on using the DAC in my oppo 205 with a CD Transport.

Hello,

I have been somewhat disappointed with the Redbook CD playback using my oppo 205. It's not that it always sounds bad, sometimes it actually sounds quite nice. I would say my biggest complaint is the lack of micro details, the light cymbal taps and other fine background sounds that make music so enjoyable. 

Since I can input a digital source to the oppo (Optical, Coaxial, or USB) and use the SABRE 32 DAC inside, I've been thinking of trying a CD Transport. Possibly the Audiolab 7000CDT. My system consists of the Simaudio Moon 600i integrated amp driving Focal L&R Utopia Be loudspeakers. 

My question is, would this arrangement provide me improved (and or) more detailed sound than I'm currently getting?

Thank you for your thoughts and knowledge!

Gary

gakman

Showing 1 response by drmuso

drmuso's avatar
drmuso
152 posts
 

I'll second the recommendation of a Denafrips R2R type DAC.  I have both the Ares II and the Venus 15.  At your price range you could do very well with a used Pontus II or 12.  Many consider this the sweet spot in the Denafrips range.  

My Venus 15 matches vinyl, especially playing a hi-res source, and makes CD much more analogue-like.  The Ares II is similar, but with less bass impact and a bit more grain.  I haven't actually heard a Pontus.

I also second the recommendation of the GeerFab D.BOB if you want to play SACDs and get DSD into your DAC.

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