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Audio Aero Prima vs. Resolution Audio Opus 21

We currently own the Prima, and have heard the Opus 21, though only for a short audition, and not in our home. Just curious what you might think of the differences? We love the warmth and intimacy of the Prima. It could perhaps dig a little deeper for increased dynamics and resolution. We may spend the $150 to try out the Opus 21, but my concern is having a non-tube player. There is a certain thinness and dryness to most digital that I don't care for. We would spend up to $3K as necessary, but are for a number of reasons apprehensive about the modded players.
We prefer the dimensionality and airy sound of the Prima to the pristine accuracy of say, the Audio Note CDP/DAC's.
Any thoughts and/or recommendations? Stick with what we have? Spring for a $1000 interconnect? OK, not so fast!
128x128boa2
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
Warren, my Prima man!
How the heck are you?
Just bought the Stealth Mini Digital to give that a try in
my system. Thanks again for the recommendation.
Howard
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
That the RCAs sound better than the XLR on the Audio Aero might have more to do with what is downstream from your Cd player. Perhaps your amp has a preferance for RCAs as my McIntosh 2102 is an unbalanced amp and the XLRs add juat another circuit.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but anyone out there heard the RA Opus 21, compared to an EMC-1UP SE?
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Howard, give that baby a long break in with an electric heater or something that has high amperage. You're going to love it. Your cdp is about to be awakened. let me know how much you love it...sorry for the thread hi-jack..
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
Hi-jack away, 'goners.
I'll even do it myself. Here goes:

Just put an Electraglide Mini Khan Plus on my Prima.
I know, swearing isn't allowed, but Holy $($(#!
Two other members recommended them, and they were not kidding. I'm getting imaging dimensionally around the notes, not only at the front. I actually heard Richard Buckner's microphone buzz just a second ago. Awesome cord!

Still looking for a Resolution Audio just to try it out. There's one for sale here, but we're both standing firm at $25 apart. I just won't pay $2700+ when they've been going for around $2400, and one yesterday sold for $2K. I know because I was second in line!

Swampwalker, I think that member Lousyreeds (it may be Lousyreeds1, I can't remember) auditioned both of those players.

All the best,
Howard
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