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Oppo 105 or PS Audio PWD Mk2

I am in the market for a new CD player and wondered if anyone has been able to compare the Oppo 105 and the PS Audio PWD MkII.

I want to hear detail but want it musical. I had an Esoteric SA60 for an in home audtion and sent it back because I did not think that it was especially musical in my system.

I would sacrifice detail for PRAT.
dsper
hgeifman
2,264 posts
 
I am confused. The PS Audio PWD Mk2 is a DAC. This means you need a transport to play your CD's. The Oppo 105 is a CD player that includes a transport and DAC in one box. See:

http://www.psaudio.com/products/audio/media-players/pwd-mkii-features/

Are you look for a one box CD player or a DAC and transport?
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
The PSA PW DAC MK II and PW Transport will (using the I2S connection) meet your requirements and make you very happy. It is of course more $$ then the Oppo. But the Oppo plays BD, SACD, DVD- Audio and now DSD. However the PW MK II will also play HiRez PCM files besides CD. It is also upgradable when new features are added.

My recommendation is put all your CD on a hard drive (with backup) and play through the PW DAC MK II with Bridge and save the money vs the transport. As great as the PW Transport is it is possible to get great sound with the right server and the PW DAC MK II with Bridge.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Given your comment concerning the Esoteric your taste may be very similar to mine. I`d recommend the Oppo 105 and then get the Modwright modification. You`ll have world class natural sound for very 'reasonable' money.This unit is high resolution with excellent musicality.
Regards,
dsper OP
663 posts
 
Hegeifman,

I do not want to appear to be a total dunce; and certainly know the difference between a DAC and a CD player.

The problem is the listening experience for me requires that I get to hold an album or jewel case so that I can read about the artist to which I am listening.

Depending on who you talk to, the CD is dead. I personally do not believe that for a minute. However, I am interested in understanding if a good DAC could be a better choice for me than a new cd player.

Trouble is the DACs seem to be associated with some sort of computerized hi rez source and the review is more about all that s**t rather than describing how the DAC really sounds.

I mentioned the Oppo and the PS Auduio units because they both seem to have good reviews and are two different approaches.

What I really want to know is if there is a good DAC out there that is sonically equal to or better than $5K CD players from Ayre, Ayon, ARC, etc.

Another question is whether the PS Audio DAC really needs a great trasport if the fancy lens and native X is so great.
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