2. digital
  3. 1085221789

Best Player or DAC: ceiling $3k

My primary system: Stax Omega Headphones with Stax 007 balanced tube headphone amp.I plan to use balanced interconnects. I listen to a wide variety of music. I am looking to buy a the best digital source without going much over $3000, though no need to go that high. I live in the hinterlands and cannot audition anything. Therefore, I am left to interpret the interpreters.I am unlikely to get into SACD,etc. My candidates on the used market:
-Kora Hermes II
-Balanced Audio Technology
-Audio Note Balanced 3.1
-Theta Gen V Balanced
-Meridian 508.24
-(New)- The Lector
Thanks
briansteffy
michaelhwolff
112 posts
 
I second Mrmb's input on the Opus 21. Have had one now for 3 weeks in my system. Completely beautiful sounding. IMO, much better than anything I've heard for twice the price.
Only thing that could need improvement is the remote, but that's no biggy.

Best, Michael Wolff
robertbrown
151 posts
 
Try MSB TECH their Gold link III is good but the platium series is world class but that will be over $3000 say $5000
these are S.S.
fatcataudio
107 posts
 
Simple one, Resolution Audio Opus 21. If you have no local dealer, please drop me a line.....
hassel
248 posts
 
You may include the Chord DAC 64 in your list. audiogon-member ljgj has it, as well as the Kora Hermes, as far as I remember, but says the Chord is by far the better one
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
For stock DAC's, the Electro ECD-1. Great out of the box, but imaging and sibilance could be improved. For modded DAC's, the Perpetual Technologies P-3A.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
More to discover