Oppo 105 D vs. DAC-transport combination.


To my great dismay, the more I listen, I’m finding my Oppo 105 is outperforming a very well thought of DAC and transport combination for which I paid 3x the price.  Basically the sound stage is wider and better defined.
Both the DAC and transport are less than a year old.  I thought I was upgrading.
Played by itself, the DAC-transport combo sounds great.  Until I compare it to the Oppo. 
I can’t understand it!
128x128rvpiano
Not surprising as the Oppo is excellent. To best the 105 you probably should try Stereophile Class A+ DACs or the 205 from Oppo.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2018-edition-digital-processors

The Benchmark DAC 3 is about 40% less than the next most expensive and 1/10 the cost of the most expensive one. Keep your Cyrus transport as Benchmark will take any digital input without fuss (I haven’t found any cable or any input or any reclocker to improve the sound out of the box with stock cable and connects). Benchmark is popular with classical listeners.
Benchmark sounds great, but I would have to come up with the two grand.
I was already considering the Oppo 205.  They’re supposedly coming out with a new run this month.  I’ve long been on the waiting list to buy.
Greetings Shardone
 I strongly disagree
 I have 3 customers that brought in their Benchmark DACs
The Ayre Codex easily outperformed the above.
one fellow in disbelief brought his 600 dollar power cord with him and insisted it would make the difference, The stock cord on the Ayre Codex
was still obvious that it outperformed the Benchmark.
An AQ thunder Power cord and Ayre Codex together are very special.
 Best,
  JohnnyR