I have dCS Scarlatti Stack (excluding the transport) and run my computer (Mac with Amarra) through the outboard upsampler. i think it is great. i wont disagree that it is more analytical than other digital sources i have heard (but for me that is ok). i think it is neutral. i think the computer hooked up to an upsampler is the way of the future as i find myself listening to ALL my music again (just so easy). I didn't buy the transport as i couldn't justify the $30k for the few SACD i have. so i hooked up a OPPO BDP - 83SE to the dCS stack for my transport (for just over $1k) and it is great. like i said, i don't have many SACD or DVD-A and i am sure it is not up to the dCS transport but what a great compromise for me.
The best no-compromise digital options?
If we take a look at the three digital playback formats most common today (CD, SACD and DVD-A/V), what would you consider the 3 top of the line options for each format.
My thoughts would be:
CD
Zanden Model 2000P/5000S
Burmester 069
Soulution Audio 740
SACD
dCS Scarlatti
Esoteric P-01VU/G-0Rb/D-01VU
The upcoming Wadia 971/932/922
DVD-A/V
Goldmund Eidos Reference
MBL 1622A/1611F
APL Hi-Fi NWO-3.0 GO SE
My thoughts would be:
CD
Zanden Model 2000P/5000S
Burmester 069
Soulution Audio 740
SACD
dCS Scarlatti
Esoteric P-01VU/G-0Rb/D-01VU
The upcoming Wadia 971/932/922
DVD-A/V
Goldmund Eidos Reference
MBL 1622A/1611F
APL Hi-Fi NWO-3.0 GO SE