Digital front end question

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!!

Thanks Pete. Would you mind directing me to a place I can purchase the Lexicon for $1000 ? I searched Google, and found $3500 most places.
Thanks