The best no-compromise digital options?

If the 931 needs something to place SACD, than it is logical to get everything done at the same time. I wouldn't be surprised if the 971 came-out in 2010 or even 2011. However, the 270SE is a great unit, so no worries.

I feel the best no-compromise digital is either the Pyramix DSD/DXD system coupled to a Digital Audio Denmark AX24 or the Sonoma system coupled to the EMM Labs Professional converters. That way you can rip the CD's or DSD's with a decent transport and buy a used Denon 5910 and modify the outputs to send a hi-rez signal to the recording rigs... Best of ALL Worlds... About $40k

Regards,

I have dCS Scarlatti Stack (excluding the transport) and run my computer (Mac with Amarra) through the outboard upsampler. i think it is great. i wont disagree that it is more analytical than other digital sources i have heard (but for me that is ok). i think it is neutral. i think the computer hooked up to an upsampler is the way of the future as i find myself listening to ALL my music again (just so easy). I didn't buy the transport as i couldn't justify the $30k for the few SACD i have. so i hooked up a OPPO BDP - 83SE to the dCS stack for my transport (for just over $1k) and it is great. like i said, i don't have many SACD or DVD-A and i am sure it is not up to the dCS transport but what a great compromise for me.

Brianherlihy if you use the asychronous usb connection with your computer and use the plain usb cord; test another usb cord (like furutech transparent..) and enjoy the difference.

ALso on your mac install purevinyl.

KOPS is "pure vinyl" clearly better? :-)