Blu Ray player versus CD/SACD player.

Thanks for the input.

Sounds like you use an external DAC?

I don’t have an external DAC. I use the one in the Oppo.

Primarily looking for all in one unit, IF I replace the Oppo.

However, guess I could think about transport/DAC also?

@mahler123 Wonder if you could explain the 2nd part of your response further? “and for redbook I use one of the S/PDIF outputs into a mini DSP (room processor-it won’t work with SACD).  Before I had the mini DSP I just used the HDMI output for everything.”

Not familiar with mini DSP set-up that you mention?

However, adding an upgraded external DAC and using the Oppo as a transport is a fresh idea I might consider?

Budget would be $3-$5K, for either an external DAC or CD/SACD player.

I will say, I love my Oppo and it has been a great “Jack of all trades!”

But in recent years I’ve moved away from the home theater thing and I’m now immersed in 2 channel stereo. Which is what is prompting my initial question.

All of this is very helpful as it contains some useful basic things to consider, and there has been none of that “audiophile forum chippiness” that seems to leak into any thread.

I have been going back and forth on……new CD/SACD player versus……..a standalone streamer with internal or external DAC……..a storage type piece to rip all the discs to and using it with a DAC…..etc, etc, etc.

Not sure I’m any further forward, but the responses to date have got me thinking down alternative options. Maybe finding the best, overall single unit which will do it all isn’t achievable. Possibly I need to clarify for myself what exactly I’m trying to do and how best to achieve it.

That might help……duuh!

Or I can just upgrade my speakers?! LOL.

Keep the thoughts coming please, and thanks for the input to date.

E

@elliottbnewcombjr thanks for the link to the Sony machine.

I did check it out but have some hesitation about used, unseen components. However, not ruling it out completely and may contact the seller to see what his bottom line is?

I have about 400 CDs and about 30 SACDs.
Its only in the last 2-3 years when I have really been getting into Classical have I been actively seeking SACDs. Certain classical labels still issue this format, so it definitely is not dead! However, as many people have pointed out there are other options out there to listen to high quality digital formats, which in some ways has resulted in my creating this initial post.

I also sometimes listen to these in surround mode also, but this remains an occasional desire, and results in my switching some cables to pass things thru my AVR, which is still present in the rack but gets minimal use in recent years.

This is where my overall conundrum comes in……should I stick with physical media (in which I have a huge history and feel very comfortable with) or go streaming, HDD, etc?

All the info, feedback, and questions raised have all been great and have helped me starting to narrow down what my main interests/requirements are.

Keep ‘em coming!

E

@ericgeer Very interesting and did some quick research on your product.

Couple of questions: 

a) Why do you recommend other universal players? Could I not just use my existing Oppo 103 for the process you describe in your post?

b) Have you found any particular DACs work well with your Audio D.BOB?

Thanks….E