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Audio Aero Prima vs. Resolution Audio Opus 21

We currently own the Prima, and have heard the Opus 21, though only for a short audition, and not in our home. Just curious what you might think of the differences? We love the warmth and intimacy of the Prima. It could perhaps dig a little deeper for increased dynamics and resolution. We may spend the $150 to try out the Opus 21, but my concern is having a non-tube player. There is a certain thinness and dryness to most digital that I don't care for. We would spend up to $3K as necessary, but are for a number of reasons apprehensive about the modded players.
We prefer the dimensionality and airy sound of the Prima to the pristine accuracy of say, the Audio Note CDP/DAC's.
Any thoughts and/or recommendations? Stick with what we have? Spring for a $1000 interconnect? OK, not so fast!
128x128boa2
fatcataudio
107 posts
 
Swamp- I have heard it. In my opinion, the EMC1 UP (not sure if it was the SE?) offers nothing over the Opus. They are both musical players, but the EMC simply does not have the resolution and detail that the Opus has. Actually, I believe you heard the Opus when you demoed the VR4 SEs.....
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Actually, that's what I am concerned about. I've been listening to some modded U-players and they are beating the EMC (CD to CD) in terms of resolution, but the EMC is a bit "fuller" if I can use that term. So now I want both!
budrew
467 posts
 
Swampwalker, Exemplar modded Denon. Having owned both the EMC-1 and the Opus 21 let me say the Exemplar modded CDPs offer what you are looking for.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
Budrew,

Just when I'm about to seal the deal on an Opus 21, and you have to go and throw the Exemplar curveball in the mix?
What are you guys doing to me? I'm heading over to the Brittany Spears web site, where I know that I won't be vulnerable to taking anyone's advice.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Relax Howie, you've found greatness. There's just a heck of a lot it around in this audiophoolish world. Enjoy your tunes. You've hot one killer source, there. If you don't already, treat yourself to a pair of killer ICs. That Prima deserves the best. We may have done this rap before. I strongly recommend the Harmonix Golden Performance. Great synergy with the Prima, and probably just about every source it can touch.
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