DAC/Transport to a one box CD - need suggestions

Hello,

I recommend the Lector CDP-.7T. Very smooth, 2 piece, tube output unit in your price range. I've owned it now for about a year and I absolutely love it. It got a great write up in The Absolute Sound.........John

After trying many, I'd say your best bet is the Resolution Audio Opus 21.

Suffice to say that this is the best digital I've heard (I haven't heard the EMM gear) and is engaging, detailed and nuanced all at once. I love it.

This however is a 2-box player- the display and control electronics in one box, the transport/Dac in the other. The price of this unit new is $3500, but they pop up on the 'Gon occasionally for less. A search of the archives will give you a great deal of info about this unit.

I've not heard the Lector, but the Opus 21 is a very nice unit. The Talk (3.1?) cd is also great and there's a sale on them at Canadian HiFi -- my experience is that the music pauses inexplicably on occasion, but the sound is very nice. I'd also check into modded units -- I recently heard a modified Cambridge 640c Azur that was incredible for under half your budget (actually, it was incredible for almost any budget). There may be some local folks in your area that modify units. If not, drop me a note and I can get you in touch with someone (no affiliation). Good luck.