2. digital
  3. 1105137632

Audio Aero Prima vs. Resolution Audio Opus 21

We currently own the Prima, and have heard the Opus 21, though only for a short audition, and not in our home. Just curious what you might think of the differences? We love the warmth and intimacy of the Prima. It could perhaps dig a little deeper for increased dynamics and resolution. We may spend the $150 to try out the Opus 21, but my concern is having a non-tube player. There is a certain thinness and dryness to most digital that I don't care for. We would spend up to $3K as necessary, but are for a number of reasons apprehensive about the modded players.
We prefer the dimensionality and airy sound of the Prima to the pristine accuracy of say, the Audio Note CDP/DAC's.
Any thoughts and/or recommendations? Stick with what we have? Spring for a $1000 interconnect? OK, not so fast!
128x128boa2
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
You may want to try an Audio Magic Mini Digital for your front end. Worked for me, until the Audio Magic Eclipse. Now, it works even better.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
You are going to find that the Audio Aero Cd players get the most votes hereabouts on most comparisons of Cd players in the same league.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
The Prima DAC's don't come up used very often, but it sounds like that would be ideal. In the meantime, maybe I need to try out a few of your other excellent suggestions like the Harmonix, Audio Magic, PS Audio, etc. It's all just a matter of budget and sonics, right?

Thank you all for the input. It's very helpful.

Howard
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Budget, isn't that always the deal? I would like to know more about your electronics, speakers, present ICs, power cords, before coming up with the conclusion that it is your Prima that needs changing. I can't see it. The Prima, drop dead, amazes me on every listen. For the sound and the $$...give us your system; and we'll give you the world (oops), I mean give you enough to drive you crazy...
peterd
122 posts
 
Boa,
All you hear about the AA Prima is correct.
I had one and traded for the Capitole MKI,but I'll tell you the Prima is a very compelling player for 1/4 the price of the Capitole.Now that being said I also eliminated my preamp cause I am single sourced.As for conditioning it is a must and Audio Magic's are amazing and also the Z-Squared Cube for a lot less money.
I also agree with Cytocycle about the other player descriptions,I can't believe his descriptions are exactly as I heard them.Really it must be like a mind meld or something.
Oh ya I still kick myself in the ass for not keeping the Prima as a spare unit .
Cheers,Peter
More to discover