4est

Responses from 4est

Best CD sound: Marantz SA8001 or Rega Apollo?
I'd check out the PC audio forum and not waste you money on a cd player. For some reason the magazines aren't letting on that cd players just stink compared to a computer based system. The analogy I've heard is that you need to spend 20k to better... 
What is the best used sub-$500 DAC?
I'd pick up a used MHDT Paradisea or a buy pre-built Monica 2. Both are very organic. 
DAC and CD Transport Question
gmood1 is correct. I've used an oppo 871 as a transport as well as others, but pc sounds better by a long shot. Use a mac, just about anyone will do (the one I am listening to at the moment is a 7 yr old imac dedicated to my system. The scuttlebut... 
used CDP recommendation for use as transport
Although I have tried the Oppo 871 on both a Monica 2 and the Paradisea, I didn't like it's PRAT. The notes tended to decay too quickly- didn't draw me in. I have yet to beat my US$40 Cyber Home CH DVD 300 purchased at Best Buy in the states.