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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
 
Relax Howie, you've found greatness. There's just a heck of a lot it around in this audiophoolish world. Enjoy your tunes. You've hot one killer source, there. If you don't already, treat yourself to a pair of killer ICs. That Prima deserves the best. We may have done this rap before. I strongly recommend the Harmonix Golden Performance. Great synergy with the Prima, and probably just about every source it can touch.
budrew
467 posts
 
Boa2, Warrenh is right. They are ALL good CDPs. I've never heard the Prima but I know a lot of people really like it. Though I'm not using the Opus 21 at the moment I can't part with it because it's a great player and it's size makes it flexible. The Opus 21 also offers flexibility in output options. If increased dynamics and resolution are what you're looking for the Opus 21 should offer that for you. I'm sure you've seen it but the unit is reviewed on 6moons.com (the Exemplar is also reviewed there).
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
I will buck up for a fine pair of IC's, Warren. Because when I did for the PC, the difference was astounding. I put in the Mini Khan Plus yesterday. My wife then came home and said as she was walking up the stairs, "What did you do to the stereo? It sounds awesome!" So I'm curious to find out about what a special IC would do for me as well.

Thanks, Drew, for the comments. I'm curious to hear the RA, as I know that it is a wonderful player. My preferences tend to lean more towards the signature of the Prima/Capitole, with their inherent lush and laid back sound. I actually got a little concerned about heading in the direction of the Opus 21 only because I know that you've found a step up in the Audio Note products, and they just don't do anything for me. OK, start throwing the rocks everyone! I've actually spent a lot of time with the DAC 4, and although I would give it a 5/5 star rating for doing everything 'right', it just doesn't take me in like other players do.

So I'll play around some more with what I have, and spray myself for upgrade fleas. Because I got a baaaaaaaaad itch!

Thanks again.

Howard/Howie/Word/Bubba
philnyc
162 posts
 
Swamp...take my comments knowing that I am an RA dealer and have an obvious bias. But I'm with Fatcataudio...I strongly prefer the Opus 21 to the EMC-1UP. To my ears, the Opus 21 has a much more natural and balanced sound, whereas the EMC-1UP has a bit of a heavier (thumpier?) sound with less smoothness as you move from deep bass to the midrange.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
Warren,

Just when you think you've found greatness...and then...POW!

The Audio Magic digital mini really opens up the spaciousness of the music. The tones are more resolved, and the instrument separation is more distinct, as well as sounding more confident. Is one socket for digital (marked with the diamond?) and the other for the amp?

Thank you,
Howard
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