Digital front end question

Timtim,

The big thing with digitial is that it now sounds decent. Actually, some CD rigs actually sound awesome. You have to pay to play but there is (finally) some great sounding digital out there. A Benchamrk DAC, approx $975, sounds incedibly better than digital did nine years ago. The shrieking, etched, harshness and tinnyness is gone - with the good sounding stuff, that is.

You didn't mention what transport you have, but if it is truly a good one, don't give it up. There are very few great transports in production today. I would suggest that you go with a DAC that can accept firmware and software updates from the manufacturer. I haven't been able to find a transport that beats my 15 year old Theta Data Universal II. It's mated to an MSB Platinum Plus DAC. I've been able to update the clock, DAC chips and load updated filters into it to keep it current. You can get a lot of mileage out of a good transport, but many DACs can fall behind the times.

Thanks for the response guys. I remember the Theta sounding VERY good, but I'd be a fool to believe digital hasn't progressed over the years.
As far as the modded Oppo, I have no doubts about Ric's work, nor the great quality of the parts he uses. It's just the damn $170 Oppo player that scares me so badly. Sure ... It's a great video machine, but it's VERY light weight and cheap to be made in to a great CD Player in my opinion.
The Benchmark also intrigued me, but I've read quite a few opinions talking about it sounding somewhat overly analytical ... This is a killer for me. I don't like an overly warm and romantic sound, but I must have some level of musicality and flow.
I looked at the possibility of the Cambridge 840C, but have read where it ultimately lacks some drive and dynamics.
Maybe I should just open myself up to suggestions with this as my criteria : I'm ultimately looking for tight and controlled bass with dynamics and drive ( my system is fairly nuetral, but can lean to warm if not careful ). I also would like some airiness in the highs.
Used is fine, single box or separate DAC is fine, and my budget is around $1000.
Thanks again for your advice and opinions.

To Mrderrick : I'm using a Sony DVP-S7700 as my transport. A call to Theta's technical dept this past Friday, let me know they also hold the 7700 in high regard as a transport.
Can you reccomend a DAC that fits the criteria I listed above ?

Hi Tim, You have suggestions at ~$1000.
You can now buy a NEW Lexicon RT-20 for that money.
It is "A" rated by TAS and it sounds "excellent" in my Spectral/MIT based system. Seems like a STEAL compared to any other $1000 item and it plays all formats.
Good luck.Pete