@ianhorseman thanks. I just wasn't sure what the relevance of SACD was these days, but if you can find some used gems out there, and even a few new ones that trip your trigger then good luck to you.
I'd forgotten that originally SACD were supposed to have surround information in addition to better overall sound quality compared to Redbook CDs.
It's a pity that Sony tried to control it too much because of their piracy worries and that for the average clueless consumer it never caught on, or we all might be enjoying DSD64 and higher rate physical formats today. Missed opportunities...
Blu Ray player versus CD/SACD player.
No info on my system, just a general, straight-up question for those that would like to offer some general, straight-up input.
I have a decent analog system, but when listening to CDs or SACDs I have been using a hold-over from my home theater days, an Oppo BDP-103 Blu Ray player which can play a variety of discs, including switching between PCM and DSD.
I have been very happy with the Oppo but now it’s getting a little long in the tooth, I’m wondering should I stick with it or start researching a CD/SACD stand-alone player for my digital discs?
Should I get a unit that specializes in music playback or stick with the Oppo as “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Will I notice a difference between the Oppo and a unit that is built for primary music purposes?
Just looking for a general sense of peoples thoughts, especially those that have maybe made a similar switch?
Thanks for any feedback!
Ian the BigE
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- 33 posts total
I don't think that a new sacd player is going to get you much better, if any, perceptible sound quality than your Oppo, but I could be wrong, and plus your Oppo doubles as a good bluray player. I reported above my positive experiences with "lesser" players than the Oppo, so you're probably already sitting pretty good. Might as well keep it, since you have 400 cds... cds are cheap in thrift stores these days like $1 - 3... I have found many awesome classical selections, top notch, so yeah keep your physical spinner. Just add a decent streamer. Bluesound Node 130 is a decent easy-to-use streamer for starters, $600 done. Later you can add an outboard DAC that'll take both your Oppo AND your streamer, IF you even decide that you need it... |
I recommend you take a look at universal players like the Sony UBP 700 and 800, but more importantly, the Reavon UBR X-110. No internal DAC, which are never great anyway, so no analog outs. And then you want an external DAC, and for SACDs and Blu-ray Audio, the GeerFab Audio D.BOB is a must. It extracts DSD64 from SACDs (DoP over coax) and PCM up to 24/192 from Blu-ray Audio discs (coax) and both to an external DAC that accepts DoP over coax. You'll never look back when you hear DSD64 through a good external DAC. PCM 24/192 is darn good as well, just not DSD. (Disclaimer - I'm the Geer in GeerFab.) |
@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 |
Sorry about that. Forgot where this started. Of course, you have an Oppo 103, which is an ideal player for the D.BOB. I have a 105, which is where my journey started. Wasn't satisfied with the DSD conversion in the box. Growing list of partner DACs at www.geerfabaudio.com under System Requirements. I own various Myteks, Benchmark, RME and have customers who swear by Chord. Pretty much any DAC on the list will sound better than the internal Oppo DAC. |
- 33 posts total