Oppo UDP - 205

@dragon_vibe,
Sure, I can understand. I am curious as to which high end DACs did you compare the Oppo to. Can you provide in detail on what was missing with the Oppo and how much of a difference the high end DAC made? That will at least give us an idea of what we would miss if we were to go the Oppo route. Or it can help us justifying the cost for a real high end DAC/player. In this day and age, I am still opting for a player than a DAC. Call me old school.

@milpai 

I dare say that if you are able to justify the cost of a truly high end DAC and purchase same, you or anyone else should be in a financial position to then purchase the Oppo on the top of it. The Oppo would then serve as transport.

Keep in mind seriously high end DACs are over 10 grand. So what's another $1,300 on an Oppo?

Don't need a $10k+ DAC to substantially better the 205 sonically for two-channel listening. Many fine DACs in the $2-4k range (and less used) will get you there.

The ModWright 205 tube mod is a great option for you milpai (all-in-one solution).

Dave 

I am a bit hesitant right now about the digital options in front of me.
Either I go with a $6-7k loudspeaker and a $4-5k SACD player
OR
go with a $10k loudspeaker and the Oppo.
People have suggested the second option. That way I can use the Oppo as a transport when I get a good DAC later. And this is most likely I am leaning to.

@gdhal , it is hard to believe that we cannot get a serious high end DAC under $10k.

@gdhal , it is hard to believe that we cannot get a serious high end DAC under $10k.

@milpai 

I'm basing that on the 3,400 + comments in this thread, starting from the beginning.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/absolute-top-tier-dac-for-standard-res-redbook-cd