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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
labtec
189 posts
 
I'm sure the above recommendations are great, but I'll throw out another option.

I just heard the Ack Dac for only about $500 and was very impressed. You could spend more, but there's little guarantee you will get better performance, especially a stock piece under $3k. A modded piece may be a better option if you are determined to spend more.

Of the items you listed though, I think the Meridian would be my choice.
mdconnelly
133 posts
 
One thing to consider... pick up a used Wadia - 861 if you can afford it or an 830 or 301. They're all great players. Then consider a reference mod from Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound. He does incredible work, is great to work with, and his mods will make any of these units (or others) a cornerstone piece. I picked up an 830 w/ref mod from Steve and just love it.

check out www.greatnorthernsound.com or just search here or AA for comments on GNSC and Steve.
omains
33 posts
 
I put my vote in for the Resolution Opus 21 as well. I've heard it quite a bit over the last month or so, and geez, it sounds great! It's the best thing I've heard under $10,000. But give the Electrocompaniet EMC-1up a fair shot too. It's also a great player.
jcvr777
49 posts
 
GaMuT cd1 upsamples at 2x the speed of sacd very smooth sounding good value for money
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
My Gamut CD1R is amazing, my friends Meridian 508.24 (which I was going to get) has amazing slam control on the bass, but the Gamut is Liquid on top.. Both are super detailed but not thin like the Levinson units I've heard.
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