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Dedicated Red Book CD player vs. "Universal" type players....

I surmise this discussion has been debated a fair amount but here goes....I'm searching for the "final" cd player. Red Book playback is important to me as I have an extensive cd collection and am not into computer based sound (yet). So, I don't mind grabbing and popping those silver disks into a player. What are my fellow Audiogoner's thoughts on a dedicated cd player vs. the universal (see Oppo) type of player? Does a one-box solution sacrifice some cd playback performance trying to be a jack of all trades? If so, can you hear that difference? Input and comments most appreciated!
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Showing 5 responses by gdhal

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
I imagine budget is a consideration. In my case, I have an Emotiva ERC-3 and Oppo UDP-205. Strictly from a red book CD perspective, I'd give the edge to the Emotiva, however, both are very capable.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Yeah, question is which Oppo now :) BDP105 or the newer versions that just came out

If budget doesn't compel you to do otherwise, you want the UDP-205. Many owners of both unequivocally state the 205 is better sounding. And it should, given the more advanced DAC chip.


gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
It is built to very high standards, includes an r to r ladder dac and sounds incredible.

No doubt :)

gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Sonically a unit like the Oppo 205 is a worthy cd player, and probably better than many similarly priced cd only players, given the by now small market for those.

+1

For doing PCM, Redbook 16/44 or 24/96, and DXD it's best to use a cdp or dac that uses digital to analogue (D/A) converter that is Multibit, rather that one that uses Delta Sigma d/a conversion.

+1
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
...They eschewed a digital in, SACD capability, etc. etc., in order get Red Book as good as possible, which according to them isn't possible when you have to make other accommodations...
+1

Schiit makes what can be inferred to be the same claim.
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