Digital front end question

Thanks Mrderrick .... Good to know you have first hand experience with the same transport I'm using. I'm now looking hard at the Lexicon RT-20 that Pete reccomended. It has nothing but glowing reviews on the web every where I look.
I'm open to literally anything, but would prefer a single box solution if possible.

check ads in audiogon.

The biggest problem with separate dac/trans is the interconnection. Unless you have BNC or better I2Bus, it will transfer in the lowly SPIDF.

By getting a player you eliminate the SPIDF a digital interconnect, a power cord, a shelf, iso devices...

Players such as the Raysoinc 168 als bring a fantastic variable balanced tube output. Meaning you can forgo a preamp. I sold my $3K pre after breakin and comparison.

MSRP for 168 is only $2549

Tim,

I also used a DVP-s7700 as a transport and thought it was pretty good. Then a friend of mine who has a lot of upmarket gear (Wadia, EMM Labs) suggested that I upgrade, and I did. The Theta Pearl transport ($500 on Audiogon) was worlds better, especially in the bass, and the Theta Jade ($900 on Audiogon) better still. The transport makes a world of difference.