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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.
moomoo
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Have you tried calling Rick Cullen at Cullen Circuits in reference to your Ps Audio SL-3. There is a good chance that he not only built but designed the Dac.
He may be able to repair and upgrade the unit.
moomoo OP
81 posts
 
The store where I bought the Xindak is doing a diagnosis at no charge on the PS Audio. I will likely trade it in to them after they find out what's wrong & make me an offer.

After spending more time with the Xindak, I am stunned at how good it is for the price. It's biggest strength (partnered with the Adcom that I'm not fond of) is midrange in general, & the especially vocals. I have NEVER heard vocals on cd sound this analog like. I THINK the weaknesses I'm hearing are more the Adcom then the Xindak, I'm not going to mention them at all until i get my NAD Amp back.

At least partnered with the Adcom, the Xindak is WAY better then the PS Audio. I can't remember the last time I listened to digital without feeling the need to read a book or fidget. With the Xindak, I just sit with my eyes closed & listen, especially to rock with well recorded vocals. It's also reminding me why I used to care so much about high end audio.
moomoo OP
81 posts
 
Turned out that once repaired the PS Audio is a much better sounding DAC then the Xindak........
craig_hoch
65 posts
 
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.
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