2. misc-audio
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Adding a SACD player

I want to add an Oppo universal player to my system which includes all Bel Canto electronics. This is strictly for sacds that for right now I play just listening to the redbook layer. My question is regarding the connection to my BC 3.5 DAC, which also doubles as my preamp. I'm confused as to whether I should use a digital or an analog connect. Will the sacd layer be passed thru using the digital or do I need to go the analog route. Also, which dac would actually be utilized, the dac in the Oppo or the BC dac. Thanks
cruxis
cruxis OP
3 posts
 
So I guess in my situation, would I have to connect the oppo directly to the amps, and then switch from xlr on the back of the amps, to rca, in order to hear the sacd layer?
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Not quite.

Check that your power amps really have dual inputs. Very few do.

In most cases, the XLR and RCA are connected directly to the same input on the power amp - the switch merely changes the way ground is connected. If that's the case, having both XLR and RCA connected means both are active simultaneously. And even if you power one down, it means the other's acting as an antenna or creating all sorts of weird impedance values.

You might want to look at getting a good analog preamp into the mix.

The DAC3.5VB II IMHO outclasses the company's Pre3 (have not tried their Pre3VB) so you might have to spring for a better preamp. I'd recommend having an audition of the Ayre KX5/KXR or the Audio Research Reference 5SE, both of which I found to have good synergies with the Bel Canto.
cruxis OP
3 posts
 
Thanks Doggie, I'm sure glad I asked before I jumped on buying a uni player. I just figured since I've been accumulating a lot of hybrid sacds lately, mainly for the better mastering(Mobile Fidelity, Audio Fidelity), that I would take advantage of the hi-rez layer at not too steep a price. I will enjoy what I have for now.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Yes, I've been buying a whole lot of SACDs recently as well.

Next one on my list is Belafonte at Carnegie which is due for a re-release. Finally!! I also have that vinyl on order.
cruxis OP
3 posts
 
Okay, I'm still not quite giving up on this. One possible workaround, albeit a bit of a hassle, is maybe once a month I'll disconnect the dac from the amps, then connect the uni player directly to the amps. Then I will commence with Hi-Rez week! :)) Would that work?
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