2. digital
  3. 1105137632

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

Showing 8 responses by warrenh

warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Phil, the RCAs do sound better on the Prima than the XLRs. go figure...
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Howard, I'm not having that shortcoming with my Prima as far as bass extension. I don't know what the rest of your system consists of, but if you're leaning toward the Prima, maybe you should try a pair of Harmonix Golden Performance ICs. When I upgraded to them from the Cardas Golden Ref (no slouch in the IC department) it was as if I gave my Prima a shot of steroids, opening the sound up top to bottom. And I mean: open. I started with their power cords and flipped. Had to do the ICs. Unbelievable, and less costly than the big boys. I know a few audiophools, who have traded in their Valhallas for the Harmonix.. Go figure...peace, warren
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Howard, give that baby a long break in with an electric heater or something that has high amperage. You're going to love it. Your cdp is about to be awakened. let me know how much you love it...sorry for the thread hi-jack..
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
You may want to try an Audio Magic Mini Digital for your front end. Worked for me, until the Audio Magic Eclipse. Now, it works even better.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Budget, isn't that always the deal? I would like to know more about your electronics, speakers, present ICs, power cords, before coming up with the conclusion that it is your Prima that needs changing. I can't see it. The Prima, drop dead, amazes me on every listen. For the sound and the $$...give us your system; and we'll give you the world (oops), I mean give you enough to drive you crazy...
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.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Howard, fasten your seatbelt and keep smelling salts beside your listening chair when you hook that Mini Khan Plus up to your AM. I hope you're putting that AM digital into a dedicated outlet. 'tis the only facet left to electric nirvana.....enjoy
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
No! Keep your amp, unless it is digital, outta there. Don't want your analog and digital to get aquainted that way. Keep your eyes open, and when you spot a AM Stealth Mini? Grab it. Your analog will be beholding. How did you break in your AM? How many hours did you put on it? I thought you just purchased it. Maybe broken in already? Used? Inquiring minds want to know. peace, warren
More to discover