2. digital
  3. 1188575189

Best budget CDP?

I'm putting together a small two channel system based around a pair of Zu Druids and small tube hybrid intgrated amp that I got as part of a HCT HMS-100 package (same as the Vuum Audio VTi-B1 or the Dared MP-5 without the USB port). Also considering upgrading to a Onix SP-3, but that's a differnt story.

I need to find a decent CDP that would be a nice match for this budget system. $1000 would be my max, but I would really like stay ~ $500 if possible, but not if I can't get a nice sounding unit at this price.

I'm also putting a small LCD or Plasma in this room so a nice univeral unit would be even better, but music performance in paramount. Another consideration which makes a univerval unit an attractive option is that I would still have a spare set of inputs to add a TT down the road if I decide to get back into LP's.

Thoughts/suggestions will be much appreciated.

BTW, I only have BB/CC in our town, so I really don't have the option to listen to much and this is why I must ask for help. Used is fine.

Thanks.
jack_dotson

Showing 1 response by musicman07

musicman07
126 posts
 
Oppo plus DAC may be the way to go. I'd hesitate to pay too much, or mod something like a DVD player that you may want to upgrade before you've really got your investment back. Personally I'm moving to using the computer as a transport with a Paradisea+ DAC (tube), while keeping my Nuforce AVP-16 for HT. Yes the Nuforce does have 2-ch bypass as well.

Though the Oppo mod straight to the amp sounds intriguing. The basic Oppos do indeed lack in SQ, but really what do you expect for a couple hundreds bucks.
More to discover