Digital alien needs basic help with DAC

[daveneumann]

I've been playing vinyl exclusively since I sold my Sony 777ES player many years ago. Digital is a whole new world and one in which I am a total idiot!

I have an Oppo 103 player, currently going direct into my Pass Labs preamp. It sounds crappy at best, even with higher resolution formats like SACD and high resolution files. My friend gave me a Seagate hard drive with 1000's of music files on it including SACD, DSD, and PCM. I can use the Oppo to access the music but again it sounds like crap compared to vinyl.

So I'm considering a DAC for my Oppo. According to the manual, in order to pass along high resolution formats, I need to use an HDMI connection between Oppo and DAC.

I was considering a Mytek Brooklyn, but it doesn't have HDMI inputs.

Is there a great sounding, high value DAC that I can use with my Oppo to play CD, SACD, and the music files on the external hard drive? I don't want to use my laptop and don't see myself getting into streaming. I have no need for volume control or headphone amp built in to the DAC. I want to connect the DAC to my preamp via balanced cables.

Total budget for this foray into digital is $4,000 for either a DAC, a new universal disc player, or some combination. I'm OK with new or used, and would definitely be open to a tube DAC.

Help! I'd appreciate any suggestions and thanks in advance.