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Wadia verses Meridian verses a Digital Server

I am hoping to better the sound of Redbook CD's. My question, is there a Wadia or Meridian (or other favorite) DAC or player that has significantly made listening to redbook CD's more enjoyable to you personally?

Or, is it about time to go with a computer based digital server such as a MacMini with something like a Emprical Audio Off-Ramp directly to my Proceeds' DAC's?

I have a OPPO 981HD player used as a analog multi-channel player and digital transport using Mogami Golds into a Proceed AVP2 +6, matching AMP 5, and on to a relatively unknown set of speakers - Yamaha TX-1 powered Organ Cathedral Monitors crossed over at 50Hz with a SVS Ultra 13. Overall, very smooth, nice sound without any overbearing digital fatique.

I REALLY like HDCD's sound, most noteably Reference Recordings, most DVD-A and SACD sounds, and many redbook recordings. However, many redbook CD's suffer from various recording issues. I enjoy many musical styles, with emotionally charged, full-range classical performances being my favorite.

I read Wadia and Meridian processes redbook CD's in a different way. Can you recommend Wadia or Meridian DAC's or "CD players with digital INPUTS" that specifically and significantly improves the performance of redbook CD's at $2,000 or thereabouts, or possibly less?

I included CD players with digital INPUTs, should the transport go bad with no support. The DAC's/processor can continue to be used with a separate transport.

I can connect the DAC/Player directly into my mains/sub, or, directly to the Proceeds' DAC's.

Budget - up to about $2,000 and more if I choose a computer based digital server.

Your forums have made a huge improvement in my home's audio system. Thanks very much
soundsbeyondspecs
soundsbeyondspecs OP
132 posts
 
Bsal:

Berkeley alpha dac with lynx aes card in a pc running media monkey is the best I've heard. Total cost around 6500.

I'm looking over this combination. Thank you for a great recommendation.
acurus
141 posts
 
As an aside I did extensive listening to all the major software products out there to listen to PC music. Media Monkey was among the poorer ones, maybe because I could not get the ASIO drivers working, but I did not like the sound at all. Jriver was far superior to everytyhing I tried, the ASIO works like a charm and the whole platform seems more developed and has more flexibility.
soundsbeyondspecs OP
132 posts
 
Acurus: Thanks. I've heard comments before about ASIO. It may be your ASIO drivers conflicting with the other install or ASIO may not be set inside Windows just right.

Obviously, I'm looking at a possible Wadia DAC or player just for redbook CD's, so we both share similiar high expectations on a computer front end server. IOW's - Proven superior technology, well worth the time and effort. I'm looking over sections of www.computeraudiophile.com to get a clearer picture of the best way to do this. I'm still reading...

I know new technology often takes time to figure out correctly and you're way ahead of me. I have a Sony Blu-Ray laptop as my main computer and may go with a dedicated laptop for music. If I go Mini-Mac it will be my first Apple.
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