Playing DSD from SACD with Directstream DAC

I have been considering options for adding a disk transport to my audio system. There appear to be few good modern options at "reasonable" price points.

standouts include:
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/cx/cxc
http://www.psaudio.com/products/directstream-memory-player/ (im not sure anyone would consider this a reasonable price point)

there are also some great resources for choosing or modifying older models:
http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/TRANSPORT/CD_transport_DIY.html

I'm thinking it would be really nice to play the DSD layer of SACD's through an external DAC, namely my Directstream DAC... Which, thanks to SACD copy protection, leaves me with only the Directstream Memory Player as a commercial out the box solution.

I could go with something like an Oppo 205 which includes a really good DAC Chip, and power supply. It also happens to play MQA and work as a ROON endpoint... This would be a nice one box digital solution for my 2nd system, but not a "reference" solution by any means.

I went searching for other options to get either DSD over Coax, or DSD via I2S to the DAC and ran across an interesting thread between some Directstream DAC users and Ted from PS Audio.
http://www.psaudio.com/forum/need-help-ask-the-psa-expert/transforming-vanityhd-card-for-oppo-203-into-usable-i2s/

And here is a bit more info from the makers of the vanity hd card:
http://www.audiopraise.com/forum/read.php?13,838

Turns out its possible to take an oppo 203, add a vanity hd card, and a i2s to hdmi board, and an upgraded power supply... and "make" something very similar to the directsream memory player... In fact, PS Audio sources their drive mechanisms from Oppo.

It's not something I plan to get anytime soon, but it's nice to know there is an alternative to the Directream memory player... Too bad it's going to be tough to AB test the two units. 





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