New CDP or standalone DAC...?

@tomcarr,
I got the Oppo UDP-205 last month and really like what I am hearing. Is it the ultimate for CD playback? Nope. I am sure an outboard DAC or a stand-alone CDP can do better. But the idea is to get upgraded sound compared to my previous player and get a outboard DAC in a couple of years. I should say though, the SACD playback is phenomenal! Not tried DVD-A, since I don't have any. This player is really flexible and I was able to play some downloaded files using a USB stick. Have yet to try streaming through a computer or a HDD attached to the router.
My reasons for going with the Oppo was price and flexibility. If I was not upgrading my loudspeakers (on order), I would have (probably) looked at the Marantz SA-10 or an Esoteric. If the Marantz SA-10 would have been priced like the SA-11S3, I would not have considered the Oppo or the Esoteric, even if I upgraded the loudspeakers.

You should love the DVD-A through the 205. I have Roger Waters Amused to Death on DVD-A and it is phenomenal through my 103.
Thank you for your response. Enjoy your 205!

Tom

Yes, SACDs can be quite good, as can HDCDs. Worth searching for. In my experience, SQ of SACDs has been more variable than HDCDs. YMMV.

Tom

@milpai , Queen's A Night at The Opera is available on DVD-A. I don't have it yet, but have read that it sounds fantastic.

Tom

Tom, I appreciate. At age 68, I also am 'old school'.