Specs & Pricing

Resolution Audio Opus 21
CD Player and Integrated Amp
In terms of compositional technique, structure,
and instrumentation, this piece owes as much
to classical music as to rock. Its sonic scale is
vast, and there is a lot going on. Other systems
become hard-pressed to sort it all out, but
the Opus 21’s resolution and low noise floor
let each instrument and musical line step out,
allowing the listener to follow and wallow in the
song’s sublimely intertwined intricacies. As for
scale, the Opus 21 is that rare component that
can swell to symphonic proportions when the
music calls for it. Indeed, everyone exposed to
this unassuming stack was stunned that it could
generate such a big sound.
Naturally, there are areas in which the Opus
21 doesn’t measure up to reference-caliber
standards. As I’ve mentioned, imaging is quite
natural; yet reference equipment can delineate
images more sharply and place them more
precisely. Similarly, the Opus delves deeply to
the most subterranean depths, and the bass is
good and tight, but it could stand to be more
fleshed out. Finally, and most importantly, for
all its excellence in dynamics, resolution, and
openness, the Opus is still outperformed in all
three areas by my reference system (though not
by a whole lot). While such differences are not
insignificant, they are clearly swamped by the
Opus’ overwhelming strengths and attractive
price.
Before concluding, I would be remiss if I
failed to note that the Opus 21’s CD player,
at $3500 as a stand-alone unit, constitutes its
own bargain. All of the qualities I’ve ascribed
to the overall stack apply in full to the solo
player, which is saying a lot. Even more, this
player actually exceeds my reference unit in two
areas: timbral realism—trumpets, for instance,
sound more like real trumpets—and rhythmic
accuracy. By the latter I do not mean that the
Opus CD enforces a stricter meter. Rather,
this player more faithfully conveys every tiny
lag or anticipation of the beat—every device
musicians use to impart rhythmic swing, fluidity,
or drama—than any other CD player I’ve
heard. Needless to say, the Opus 21 CD player
is highly recommended in its price range.
Resolution Audio’s Opus 21 proves that
the sonic limitations we associate with stacks
are not endemic to the breed. This stack has
high-end aspirations and achieves them
decisively. In addition, the Opus 21 reminds
us of the architecture’s inherent practical and
operational advantages. Indeed, it makes a
compelling case for rejecting the massive,
costly, tweaky, and disjointed systems that
populate the high end in favor of what the
Opus 21 delivers in such abundance: carefree
simplicity and musical enjoyment. TAS
Specs & Pricing
RESOLUTION AUDIO
88 Hoff Street, #106
San Francisco, California 94110
(415) 553-4100
resolutionaudio.com
CD Player
Outputs: One each, analog balanced,
analog single-ended, analog DIN
Dimensions: 9.5" x 3" x 9.8"
Weight: 27 lbs.
Price: $3500
Integrated Amplifier Module
Power Output: 30Wpc
Inputs: Direct connection to Opus 21 CD player,
one analog balanced, two analog single-ended
Dimensions: 9.5" x 3" x 9.8"
Weight: 21 lbs.
Price: $2500
XS Module
Dimensions: 9.5" x 3" x 9.8"
Weight: 20 lbs.
Price: $1500
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
Goldmund Studietto turntable; Graham 2.2
tonearm; Clearaudio Insider Gold cartridge;
Goldmund Mimesis 36 CD transport & Mimesis
12++ DAC; Arcam FMJ DV-27A DVD/DVD-A
player; Goldmund Mimesis 22 and Aesthetix
Calypso preamps; Goldmund Mimesis 29.4 power
amplifiers; Metaphor 1 & 2 speakers; B&W
ASW850 subwoofer; Empirical Design cables and
power cords; Goldmund cones; ASC Tube Traps
60 December 2006 The Absolute Sound