question about "lower" priced CD players/DACs

I would like to chime in here since I used to have an Adcom combo (pre-amp + amp). I agree with the folks who suggest focusing on things other than your digital components first. While I agree that the Adcom stuff is competent, I think it can easily be bettered. Start with the preamp first. I think you will immediately hear the difference. I replaced my Adcom 555II preamp with an Audio Research SP16 and immediately heard the difference. The Adcom amps actually hold their own pretty well. I still have my 545II amp, and it has great weight and punch. The only thing I can fault it for is being a little grating up top, but that is speaker dependant. Your digital front end may not consist of the hottest items out there right now, but it seems decent.

This is always the issue, when a friend comes to you asking about upgrading their system. What do you tell them? Personally, I listen to the friend or associate and ask about the music they like to listen to and how they listen. Background music or actually sit and listen. If they really appreciate and listen to music, the next thing I want to know is price point. So, that evenutually is a totally different subject. How much can I afford for the quality of music reproduction I demand? This is a long term analysis that isn't solved overnight and takes much education, auditionining of equipment and time to decide on the level of music reproduction that the person really wants. Then, and only then, (in my opinion) can a reasonable price point be determined. In this case, the Timoteo was discussing different CD players and asked for our opinion on that. Well to go back to that subject, I would then suggest that Timoteo go and listen and actually take home the two CD players he mentioned and demo them in his system to determine if that really is the problem before purchasing. If either player makes such a drastic difference that justifies purchasing, then go for it. However, please be aware, that once you start on the road of upgrade, it really never ends. There will always be something (typically just outside your price point range) that will make your jaw drop causing you to purchase it. Now when you get to the level of stupidly expensive and really ultimate high-end equipment, jaw drop differences really don't exist anymore. There would be more subtle differences. Here's an example of jaw drop difference. An Audio Research PH3 phono stage versus an Audio Research REF 2 phono stage. I can actually say my jaw dropped. The next question would be, can I afford the REF 2? So, CD players first was the question. So, go demo them. The Oppo unit mentioned is quite good. I don't know about the Audiolab unit, but, my point earlier was after or during the demo session of the two CD players, please take home a really decent DAC also to see if the DAC may have been more of the problem instead of the CD player.

enjoy

As far as I know...cd is still 16/44 and has been since its conception... there have been no quantum leaps...you have a dedicated player by a very well respected audio brand...I wouldnt sweat it...

I have the D-LinkIII. I've enjoyed it for years, but I'm beginning to tire of it's aggressive, in-your-face sound, although it can be wonderfully detailed. This became really noticeable after I added another Digital Player (Denon DCD A-100) in the same system. The D Link tends to sound similar regardless of what transport I use, so I don't think that changing the CD player will get you much.
I have 2 suggestions that haven't yet been offered. The first is to get a good CD player with digital inputs--basically a DAC that spins discs. There are some great finds in the $500 range.
The second is more off the wall but would suit your budget well. Get an old Pioneer CD/SACD/DVD-A player, circa 2005, going for about $150, that has an "i link" and a matching receiver for about $300. These were FireWire connections, and you won't believe how good they sound together, either in 2 or multi channel.

Richardfinegold, I am stunned to hear that the DLIII is "aggressive and in your face" on your system!!!

With my Magneplanars, the DLIII seems quite mellow. I remember when I bought my Maggie's I listen to some nice Thiel speakers too. They impressed me at first, being lively, bright, and forward. After awhile though, they started to grate some and I kept having to turn down the volume. After listening to the Maggies for awhile I grew to really like their less aggressive sound. I remember liking the Vandersteens during my listening then too.
I assume that the Maggie's are a big reason for why I find the DLIII so nice in my system. My Adcom eqiuipment does not have a reputation for being laid back.

I always thought that what I'm hearing with my DLIII is how everyone heard. I had no idea it could sound aggressive and forward! It seems pretty relaxed in my system.

I don't understand your comment about getting a CD player with digital inputs. I understand why I would want digital outputs - so I could change DACs over the years, but what would digital inputs to the CD player allow me to do? For streaming music through the player's DAC perhaps?