I agree with most of the comments, you aren't really going to do much better than you have on CD performance. If you intend to stay with CD, then I wouldn't worry too much about missing out on anything because you probably aren't.
However, if you are interested in other formats and high resolution, I would consider 2 options. First, try the $500 Oppo Universal Blu Ray player that does just about every disk format out there right now (SACD, DVD-A, Blu Ray Audio, CD, etc.) Second option; wait until you are ready to try file based playback. I am a big believer that this is where digital playback is headed, but there are a lot of competing ideas, hardware configurations, and file formats right now. The good news is that we should have clearer choices emerging in a couple years.
I agree with the choices Tomcy6 mentions (Meridian, Ayre, PS Audio). I own the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and absolutely love it. I'm doing high resolution playback with a laptop and looking forward to the new Bridge card that will stream from a network drive (no computer needed!). The convenience can't be beat, and though setting everything up is not that easy just yet - the major players are in the process of making it simple.
Were I in your position I think I would give the Oppo a try and see if it floated my boat. You won't loose much money on it as you can turn it around here quickly if you don't like it. I think Oppo even has a 30 day trial period.
Cheers!
However, if you are interested in other formats and high resolution, I would consider 2 options. First, try the $500 Oppo Universal Blu Ray player that does just about every disk format out there right now (SACD, DVD-A, Blu Ray Audio, CD, etc.) Second option; wait until you are ready to try file based playback. I am a big believer that this is where digital playback is headed, but there are a lot of competing ideas, hardware configurations, and file formats right now. The good news is that we should have clearer choices emerging in a couple years.
I agree with the choices Tomcy6 mentions (Meridian, Ayre, PS Audio). I own the PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC and absolutely love it. I'm doing high resolution playback with a laptop and looking forward to the new Bridge card that will stream from a network drive (no computer needed!). The convenience can't be beat, and though setting everything up is not that easy just yet - the major players are in the process of making it simple.
Were I in your position I think I would give the Oppo a try and see if it floated my boat. You won't loose much money on it as you can turn it around here quickly if you don't like it. I think Oppo even has a 30 day trial period.
Cheers!