@bambooken You mentioned above ”Since ripping is not my thing. Essentially, I'd use one of two configurations: 1) HDMI out to my system for the DVD/Bluray playing. 2) Analogue out for CD/SACD listening in Stereo BUT… if, after A/B testing I decided that my external DAC sounds better, I'd go with Coax out to my DAC for stereo listening. Why not use HDMI for CD/SACD listening as well (or is there something I’m missing here)? |
I went with the Level 2 Statement mod with a BNC digital out, which is very good. RAM are no longer in business. For current mods look here: https://www.oppomod.com/ |
@lordmelton Which mods did you do to your 83SE? Since ripping is not my thing. Essentially, I'd use one of two configurations: 1) HDMI out to my system for the DVD/Bluray playing. 2) Analogue out for CD/SACD listening in Stereo BUT… if, after A/B testing I decided that my external DAC sounds better, I'd go with Coax out to my DAC for stereo listening. The internal DAC is newer and ostensible better than the MusicHall's. However, MusicHall has out performed a few more expensive players when A/B auditioned on my system. For instance, a Rotel that was way more expensive but really did not sound as transparent. The 103 / 105 option is out of my budget range.
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I have an 83SE fully modded and a 103. I would suggest getting a 103 or 105 because although the 83SE is a fine machine and I still use it for movies, it can't rip SACDs, it can't play the very occasional modern Blu-Ray and IME SACDs don't sound so good. DVD-A discs sound very nice though. The 103 is not much more expensive, about $400 used and makes a superb SACD ripper for my Aurender. It's also a better made machine a more solid build. |
Unearthing this thread by asking: Is the BDP-83SE worth $275 today (July, 2023)? Using the BDP-83SE (ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC (ES9016)) would allow me to: Get rid of my old MusicHall Music Hall CD-25.2 (stock, Burr Brown PCM1738) which has always sounded fantastic in my system. An old OPPO DV-980DH (used for SACD and coax out to newer DAC), and a crappy Sony Blu-ray. I guess the real question is if the BDP-83SE will sound as good or better than the Music Hall. I may need to spend $275 to find out. Any experienced input would be helpful.
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Both are Blu Ray universal players capable of playing just about anything you could throw at it, including CDs and SACDs. The BDP-83SE was a totally upgraded version, with cutting edge set of DAC chips (ESS Sabre) for its day (circa 2010), upgraded power supply, jacks, op amps, the works. The BDP 83 went for $499. The SE model for $899. The video performance for the 2 machines was identical. Audio performance via HDMI was identical. But audio performance via SE versions analog outputs was much superior. Both models set the standard at their respective price points ten years ago. I purchased an 83SE for my home theater setup back in 2010, and the machine is still going strong today. |
