CD-player for $1100 - Can I do any better?

Clio09, I have read through many of the related threads here, on AA, and on AudioCircle. It also comes in handy that I am very knowledgable already about generic PC based media servers, networking, ripping, codecs, and all the other stuff that comes into play on that side of the world.

Regrading your comments, though, were you listening to the SB through its analog audio outs, or as a digital server to a high end D/A? Also, were they SB1s or SB2/SB3s? From what I've read there's a big difference between the SB1 and the newer units.

Tonyptony,

I listened to the SB2s as modified by Red Wine Audio and Bolder Cable. Analog to DAC and using the internal DAC. External DAC was best. I also listened to the Off Ramp Turbo from Emprical. I thought the Off Ramp Turbo was better than the SB2. That being said I still stand by my TRL modified transport and DAC. My transport is an Alesis ML9600 that is also a CDP and HD storage/player, as well as CDR.

One item that has recently caught my eye is the Grace M902 headphone amp that has an internal DAC. It also has a USB input and balanced and RCA outputs. I may give that a whirl soon.

Hey try a used Rega Jupiter , very analog and warm sounding!

TRL/Sony DVP-NS900V:

I bought my store demo for $150 and gave TRL $550 for their mod.

(That leaves $400 for software and XtremeAV's new Quicksilver Gold)

And, yes, I agree with the statements made by Ecruz above.

Happy New Year!

Jack

"I listened to the SB2s as modified by Red Wine Audio and Bolder Cable. Analog to DAC"

Clio09, if you did listen to both of the moded units as a digital feed to an external DAC can you give me your impression as to which you preferred, and why? If you think we're getting too far OT please respond via email.