I spoke to Dan Wright at RMAF 2011 last week and he told me that he will be offering the Digital Input Mod for the Sony XA-5400ES and, eventually, for the Oppo BDP-95 as well. He didn't provide a specific availability date. |
I'm using DLNA streaming from a Netgear Readynas NV+ via Ethernet cable. Netgear has it's own proprietary DLNA software, but I'm also trying the dBPowerAmp Asset DLNA software as well. From the Oppo HOME menu (requires video display on to navigate), you select Network, then Server, and can then browse and select Standard or High Res tracks to stream. Right now, the Oppo can only "pull" files off the server, but I'm hoping Oppo will enable DLNA Rendering, in a future firmware update, which will allow files to be "pushed" via remote software. |
Sleepysurf,
I'm intrigued by how you are streaming 24/192 FLAC to the BDP-95. Please tell me more. I'm starting with computer music, so bare with me (I just use a PC and a SB Touch).
Do you have a hard drive with 24/192 FLAC files attached to the BDP-95 through the USB or eSATA? When you say "streaming" do you mean the files are being sent to the BDP-95, or are you telling the BDP-95 to access the hard drive and retrieve the file? If the former, what software are you using? If the latter, do you browse using the TV as screen? |
I'm sorry to hear that Dan (Modwright) might NOT be offering the digital input option for the BDP-95, but not totally surprised. Given it's USB, eSATA, plus DLNA input options, the market for an S/PDIF input upgrade would probably be limited. Further, *IF* Oppo subsequently figures out a way to add DLNA Rendering capability (still a big question mark), it would obviate the need for S/PDIF altogether, as one could use J. River Media Center or dBPowerAmp Asset control for building playlists and controlling playback.
Of note, since installing the latest firmware beta, I've had few, if any, problems streaming 24/192 FLAC and WAV files via DLNA. It occasionally locks up on me, but probably self-induced, as I was scrolling through my NAS directory WHILE also streaming high-res tracks. Overall, I'm more and more impressed with the BDP-95 every day. After ~250 hrs of break-in, it's really sounding sweet! |
Yes, you can brouse the esata harddisk contents from the TV output.
But 2 issues might be of concerned:
1) You need to update to the latest firmware version. With the original firmware, it will take more that a minute to detect the esata drive.
2) Even with the latest firmware, there is data transmission issue with the estat driver. When playing 192/24 flac file, sometime it chockes and causes the music to stop momentary. Situation is much better with 192/24 wav file. There is no issue with 96/24 flac. The above problems do not exist with USB interface, but the sound quality is not up to par. |
Yea, it does say experimental. So it could just need a firmware upgrade when available to address the situation. I have spoken to Oppo on the phone and they are very helpful in a small company sort of way. |
Rwwear: I did read it, but don't see where they explain this. Maybe it's this, which I cannot comprehend: "although it unofficially provides DNLA Server-like Experimental Functions”. Looking at the Oppo manual the user interface didn't seem friendly or practical at all. Hence my question.
Dchan88: what do you use to browse over your music collection with the 95 and external HDD? |
I have tried both USB and e-sata in the Oppo-95. I found the sound of e-sata more to my liking. |
If you follow the link I provided above to the Oppo review you will be able to read more. Powerful connectivity options: The BDP-
95 is equipped with a hard-wired RJ-45-type
Ethernet port, a wireless-n Wi-Fi adapter, an
eSATA port, and two USB 2.0 ports. As shipped,
the player can play music, video, or photo files
from USB or eSATA drives, and can also stream
certain types of content from the Internet. It
cannot, however, function as a USB DAC,
although it unofficially provides DNLA Server-like
“Experimental Functions” that potentially allow
the BDP-95 to play digital audio files stored on
PCs attached to your home network. |
OK, contacted Modwright and Dan said he "doubts" he will offer the digital input option. He said performing that mod to the XA5400ES has proven very difficult and costly.
So seems Touch and BDP-95 won't go hand in hand. Anybody using the USB or eSATA into the Oppo 95? Wondering what people are using to browse through the music in the external hard drive. |
Lewinskih01, go for the MW tube mod. With the tube mod, you have the option to dial in the sound by tube rolling.
I have a MW Transporter and after some tube rolling, it's excellent. I had a MW Oppo BDP83 w/SS mod, didn't like it as much and sold it.
I'm contemplating in getting a MW Oppo BDP95 w/tube mod for non redbook. Dan is a good guy to deal with. Good Luck! |
Sleepysurf,
Thank you for posting that! I was so wanting someone to say so!!! Having a switch on the back would be a minor issue for me.
It seems all DACs in the $2k price range would benefit from mods on the analog stage and clock, so starting with a good DAC chip and modding around it seems to make sense.
Anyone with informed opinions regarding Modwright's tube vs SS mods for the BDP-95? FWIW, I have a Lamm LL2 pre, McIntosh MC275 amp, and B&W 804S speakers (and a REL sub). |
Dan Wright (Modwright) is supposedly going to offer digital input mods. Per his website, he's currently offering it only for the Oppo BDP-83SE and Sony XA-5400ES, but I believe he posted on Audiocircle that he'll likewise offer it for the BDP-95 down the road. However, there will be a toggle switch mounted on the Oppo reap panel, so depending on exact location, that might make it difficult to access in a rack. The BDP-95's 32-bit Sabre DAC is incredible, so being able to feed digital from the Touch would be ideal. I've already tried DLNA streaming to the Oppo, which sounds superb, but the rudimentary software interface is abysmal. The Touch into the BDP-95 would be a killer combo. |
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I havent actually tried this myself, but, how about using ethernet cable from Touch to Oppo? |
