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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!
boa2
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
I bought the AM used, from another A'gon member. What is the second outlet for? Why do they put the little diamond symbol on one of the outlets? Doesn't this sound like a conversation on Star Trek?
Thanks, Warren.

Howard
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
Sorry, I meant that it has two sockets, not outlets. I'll never master this language!

OK, back to the Prima vs Opus Battle Royal...
steveh_houston
12 posts
 
Who's the lucky turd who got the RA Opus 21 for $1999? I sent the seller an email offering $2,200, but it was too late... I went ahead and closed a deal for $2,500 on another one. I've never hear the Primus, but have heard the Opus on another system (which is very similar to mine). From tubas to triangle, it was absolutely real!
frankpiet
307 posts
 
In your case I would buy the Ayre CX-7 e add some damping material, buy an Electraglide Mini Khan Plus power cord, Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II IC´s (balanced) and sit back and relax. I once had a Prima that was quite quickly replaced by the Ayre (more liquidity, speed, space, detail and transparency, great mids, bass was o.k.). Sold it now because awaiting the new Ayre C-5 XE. Can´t comment on the Opus 21 but according to the German press it is on the better side of cd-playback. But would recommend AudioNet Art V2 - a bestseller in German high-end audio.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,551 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendation, Frankpiet.
I just bought a barely used Opus 21. I just had
to try it out. It will be here next week. I heard
the APL modded Denon 3910 last weekend, and that was
an awesome player. It gave a presence and body to the music that sounded so natural.
We are also using the Mini Khan Plus--the best I've found yet, though I certainly haven't tried everything out there.
Thank you again.

Howard
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