Digital Drive: REVIEW: Resolution Audio Opus 21 CD Player/Recorder by Jon L

Model:	Opus 21
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$3000
Description:	Unique Two Box Cd Player
Manufacturer URL:	Resolution Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Resolution Audio

Review by Jon L ( A ) on July 30, 2003 at 14:18:05
IP Address: 162.119.232.100

Add Your Review
for the Opus 21

Well, hate to go against the grain, but here is my "minority report" of Opus 21.
Pros:
1) No problem with extension on either side.
2) Apparent "neutral" sound
3) Cleanliness. No hash or grit.
4) Nice analogue volume control
Cons:
1) While the frequency balance seems even and balanced, sound lacks a certain "weight" and authority. While treble extends way up, the quality of treble remains light and not very solid. Feathery almost. I know some people will love this sound. Same can be said about bass.
2) I could live with the above complaint, but the problem extended into the midrange/vocals. No gross inaccuracy one can point to, but I kept noticing subtle lack of inflections, texture, sheer "volume" in vocal range. This is something my old hotrod Cary CD-301 tubed player excelled at. Once again, I know some people love this as "liquidity" and "anlogue," but I prefer to accept a bit of grit/immediacy over overly fine sandpaper job.
At this point in time, I am unable to find a suitable replacement. I initially was going to buy one of the modified SACD/CD machines, but with this SACDII business, I'll likely wait a couple of months to see what happens...

Product Weakness: see above
Product Strengths: see above

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	see inmate system
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	saa
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	saa
Speakers:	saa
Cables/Interconnects:	saa
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	saa
Room Size (LxWxH):	saa x x
Room Comments/Treatments:	saa
Time Period/Length of Audition:	saa
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	saa
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	saa

Product Weakness:	see above
Product Strengths:	see above