Digital Front End.. help please

I'd recommend a Sony SCD-777ES with the VTS mod that by-passes the DACs and replaces the op-amp based analogue output circuit with fully descrete and independently powered circuit. Used units go for circa $1300-1700 and the mod is $650 (or $1250 if you want fully balanced outputs). The mod involves adding new RCA outputs for the new circuit and does not in any way affect the stock circuit, so you can easily and conveniently A/B test.

For more information on the mod, see: www.vacuumstate.com/son-kits.htm

P.S. I have nothing to do with this company except that I am a satisfied customer.

the audio aero is kind of expensive for me... i think it lists for almost 9K. i'll keep my eye out for a used first generation, but i still think that's going to be pushin it. i kind of wanted to find a setup for 2.5K or less....

what about transports, any suggestions?

thanks...

.... and now have an opportunity to get a sonic frontiers processor 3, with jitter reducing box, and cables, for 2.5K... (isn't sonic frontiers out of business? would this be hard to service?)

SF is out of the tube business, at least for now, so that might be a consideration.

I don't necessarily agree with your separate transport/DAC option in that with any new format you may have to update one or both, and there's no guarantee they'll be upgradeable. You also have to be concerned with jitter and digital cables along with the expense/space requirements of two separate boxes, all of which are avoided with a well-designed, one-box player. I'm currently using an EVS Millennium DAC1 that I love, but when I upgrade it'll be to a one-box player--for what it's worth.

Given your criteria a used Audio Aero Capitole Mk.1 seems like a good idea, but I wouldn't do the Prima player as it lacks the STARS upsampling/interpolating program that seems to be important to achieving better sound(see Soundstage.com reviews of original and 24/192 Capitoles for comparison). I believe the Prima DAC does have the STARS system so that may be an option. Upsampling and interpolation done properly can be a very good thing, and I think your making a mistake to reject it out of hand as you will be excluding some exceptional players.

Speaking of which, another player that is reputed to be very analog-like is the Electrocompaniet EMC-1(24/192) that you could get new in your price range. If you don't want to go used this may be your best option given all your criteria and reservations about buying used. There is a new review out on this unit in www.stereotimes.com, and many people think this is one of the best players available. Hope this helped and best of luck.

Tim