Seeking alternatives to Oppo

Geoffkait,
I wasn't saying that the Oppo was syrupy or rose tinted, I was saying that I wasn't looking for that sort of presentation. I mentioned it because it seems from things I have read over the years that some people have that view of Audio Note gear.
I did some more listening to the Oppo BDP 83 today, and I think I'm might give the 105 a spin.

Why worry about alternatives? I have the Oppo BDP-95, and think its a wonderful CD player. The 105 is just a hair bit better from all the reviews. You can't go wrong for the price...

Roxy, have you bought the oppo 105? What are your experiences?

What are today the alternatives to an Oppo 105 sonically?

Wow, I forgot that I had even initiated this thread!
Breezer, to answer your question, no I didn't buy the Oppo. After living with my friends Oppo BDP 83 for a couple of weeks, I realized that for my ears and sonic priorities, it was all wrong. The resolution was good to be sure, but for me, it was sadly lacking in what some would call musical "flow", and overall, I just felt that the picture it painted was very artificial sounding, with some details being too prominent. I was just always aware of its "sound".
It occurred to me that it was the type of player that would have impressed me a dozen or so years ago, before I was introduced to Audio Note's least expensive DAC.
So, I took the leap and had a DAC 2.1 built for me by Audio Note Kits. Again, for my ears, it just leaves the Oppo in the dust.

Oppo is the best!!