I'm using an Oppo DV-980h connected to a vintage CAL Sigma DAC, which I retubed with a NOS 1960 British made Mullard 12ax7 tube. The results are simply stunning, and in fact better than than the sound of my $1800 Doge 6 Tube CDP. In fact I just sold my Doge 6, it sounded laid back & truncated by comparison to the Oppo/Sigma combo. Infact even listening to the Oppo via it's analogue outputs isn't bad in my reference system.
Current Inexpensive CD Vs High Priced 90's
Looking for advice as there are few dealers in my area to make comparisons with my own ears.
I'm having a bad stereo year & a bad financial year. Latest piece of gear to go is my PS Audio SL3 D/A. Repair MAY be an option, but there are no highly regarded shops anywhere near me.
The PS Audio is HDCD, but tops out at 20/96. I've been running the PS Audio with a 90's Teac/Esoteric P10 & Illuminati Digital Cable. The combined list on the 2 pieces + cable in the 90's when purchased was around $3200. I like the sound of the combination quite a bit.
With that said, how much of a downgrade sonically would the Oppo DV-980H be compared to my current rig?
Any other suggestions for an inexpensive solution (either 1 piece or outboard d/a)? My Esoteric Transport still plays perfectly, but on cdr's sometimes thinks about it for awhile before playing.
The rest of the system is a Mod Squad Line Drive deluxe pre, a mediocre Adcom 555 Mk 2 that I also hope to replace, NHT 2.5I speakers & various 90's Tara cables.
I'm having a bad stereo year & a bad financial year. Latest piece of gear to go is my PS Audio SL3 D/A. Repair MAY be an option, but there are no highly regarded shops anywhere near me.
The PS Audio is HDCD, but tops out at 20/96. I've been running the PS Audio with a 90's Teac/Esoteric P10 & Illuminati Digital Cable. The combined list on the 2 pieces + cable in the 90's when purchased was around $3200. I like the sound of the combination quite a bit.
With that said, how much of a downgrade sonically would the Oppo DV-980H be compared to my current rig?
Any other suggestions for an inexpensive solution (either 1 piece or outboard d/a)? My Esoteric Transport still plays perfectly, but on cdr's sometimes thinks about it for awhile before playing.
The rest of the system is a Mod Squad Line Drive deluxe pre, a mediocre Adcom 555 Mk 2 that I also hope to replace, NHT 2.5I speakers & various 90's Tara cables.