dcs puccini, chord red ref, meitner cdsa or nagra

when you say further up the dcs line - do you mean the paganini and scarlatti? i'd like to know how much better the paganini is vs the puccini.
also, i'm looking for resolution and transparency - not added on warmth.

Puccini is hard to beat in terms of resolution, transparency, MUSIC, flow, slam, soundstage, construction quallity, from all the one box alternatives.

A better remote control is needed only.

*Never heard the playback designs though, but former user of Emmlabs cdsa se and familiar with Esoteric line.

I would agree with Kops,

the DCS guys really do know how to dig out resolution. I believe they are the only CD player manufacturers that use a chip right at the laser output to look at the information before it is sent to the DAC section.

If you feel you dont need any "rose tinted glasses" on your system, go DCS. You will have resolution and transparency to spare.

Yes I did mean going further up the DCS range to either Panganini or Scarlatti. If the budget is tight, try to find an older DCS transport with firewire and use the latest DAC/clock until such time. The Scarlatti is perfection.

I am not sure about this new Playback Designs player. Seems as if one review (which may or may not be planted) is sturring the pot. What I do know is that it could easily be the ugliest player out there. So if you listen with the lights off and shut your eyes it may be ok.

Which sounds better: a very good vinyl set up or full Scarlatti set up?

Chris