Seeking alternatives to Oppo

Roxy54,

If you don't want/need BD, then the CA 851C would be an excellent choice. As a matter of fact, a used 840C would be great also, if you don't need a DAC with a USB connection. The closest thing to the Oppo 105 is the CA 752BD, which has most features if not all the features the 105 has.

Bill

Thanks for the suggestions. From what I read, the 851C is probably too analytical for me, coming from entry level Audio Note. According to another review I read, the 840 was the exact opposite. From what I have read, the Oppo BDP 105 is really good, but I wanted to know if I was overlooking something.

The Marantz SA8004 has gotten good reviews.

Oppo 103 at $499 is a killer bargain and has great sound as a stand alone ced player.

I am wondering now...I have an entry level Audio Note DAC that I have been using for years, and there is no doubt that my friends BDP 83, which I am borrowing, has greater depth and detail, even more impact. Still, when I am listening to the Oppo, which I am sure is not as good as the newer models, I am missing a certain organic flow that I get with the Audio Note.
I am wondering if I should just keep the transport, and get an Audio Note that is higher up the chain, like the Dac 1, or maybe an Eastern Electric Minimax Dac. I don't like things overly syrupy or rose tinted, but I don't want to get the Oppo only to find out that it is more HI-FI than musical in a natural way. Any more opinions?