New DACs High End Munich 2023

One thing I did forget to mention, since folks discussed using the Oppo's HDMI. The CD playback from my current Oppo is "average". When you playback using USB, it is a vastly positive experience. The last time I used it as a CD player was in June-2021. So just for fun, I decided to try to play CD on it, just to see if USB or disc-drive makes a difference. I listened to the first 10 seconds and ejected the CD. I also then tried to play BluRay after connecting the HDMI on the TV. And for this needs, it is a stellar unit.

I highly recommend that you speak with Ben at Mojo Audio. 

You can access reviews of his products.  He answers 

his phone and will spend time with you. He offers risk free 

auditions and many of  his products are on sale.

I would like to hear the new Ferrum DAC + Power supply.

Might be worth checking out at that price point.

I have a friend who produces their own designs DAC's and Phonostages.

Recently the latest DAC this person produced, which was designed to present with a perception that there was a underlying Rich Tone, was used in a comparison with a Denafrips Venus II (not with latest FW Updates) and it was quite evident the DAC produced by a friend had shown the Denafrips a 'Clean set of Heels'.

The Venus owner was looking to replace the model following this experience. Vert recently the Venus owner has made it known the model has now had all Firm Ware Updates and the device has lifted to a much improved presentation and a much improved experience.

The friend who builds DAC's is at the Munich Show over the Weekend and has an intention to become familiar with lesser known DAC's that are being demonstrated. Maybe some models demonstrated will be readily available in the US, and not so in the UK.

If the OP is interested in receiving a list of DAC's that made a good impression, I am happy to request info to pass on, I suspect my friend will Photo document a lot of the equipment, this should help with identifying systems in use, which may also be made known. 

@milpai  Hi, my OPPO 85 does not have USB out but with a small inexpensive Chinese HDMI to I2s breakout box you bypass the onboard DACs and pass a full res digital signal to to my Pontus II.  It provides the very best sound to my Aria phones.  Redbox CD or SACD.  More and more manufactures are providing for I2s connections.  Denifrips now has it on their least expensive DAC.  Holo May also provides a HDMI/I2s input among others...I'm sure even higher end units would benefit from this protocol.