Digital front end question

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

If you have an iTunes account or any digital music, I would suggest that you buy a good DAC (the Benchmark mentioned above is a great place to start), and some type of media server such as a Logitech Duet or AppleTV. Download all of your CD's to WAV or AppleLossless files. You will be shocked by the sound and the ease of use. I love my AppleTV because it is just so easy to use, and after many, many DAC's I found one that's just perfect for my system. I sold a modded Denon 5910ci because the sound from the AppleTV DAC was just that good. I didn't think it was worth messing with the disc's anymore. For SACD and DVD's I use an unmodded Oppo 980 when I want to toss one of those in.

If I really wan to list to "perfect" music, I use vinyl.

So, my advice for digital front end, is bypass the disc player and go media server-DAC.

Good luck!!