TRL Sony 2000es or RAM Toshiba 3960


These two highly achieving players are similiarly priced with mods.
How do they compare?
Is one better?
I've read great things about them both.
If I like a detailed, fast, open, neutral, transparent sound, which one is for me?
Or maybe I'll get a Benchmark DAC 1!
Thanks for any comments or experiences.
Bill
mr_bill
Sorry if my words were confusing Lkdog, I don't mean it. I just want to state that both units are in a different price range ( Sony/Marantz). The Toshiba is a big achiever but nothing spectacular. Here " http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=70377&highlight=toshiba+sd-3960" you can see pictures and a long thread about the Toshiba Sd-3950 which is about the same unit as the 3960. I have to admit that I was into the 3960 mods before I bought my 2000ES. After I heard both unit on my system, I took the Toshiba to video duties and the 2000Es to my main rig.

The 8260 was another unit I was looking for about a year or so ago but the related built quality issues posted here and at Audio Asylum keep me away from it. Like you said, Paul is the guy and he is the one who can best express which unit deserve consideration.

Hasta luego!!
I'm sending Paul a Marantz SA14. Paul said that after mods, the only competition it has, is TRL's own $30K machine. Here's hoping! :-)
Jahaira-
No worries bro..
I just wanted to make clear that I sure am no expert at the build quality of these various units.
I would guess that the Sony 2000 is a big step up overall in build quality and that usually translates into sound.
I maybe should have been more careful in how I related Paul's comment. He really just thought the 3960 turned out nicely in many ways. Thanks for the link on it.

As for the 8260, I am wondering actually how it will turn out being a unit with a slightly older technology-but we will see what they think.
These are exciting times in digital.