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Oppo 103 comparison with an Ayre Codex

I have a new Ayre Codex DAC, a pretty good DAC.   I connected my Oppo 103 to my preamp with RCA cables and also connected the Oppo via a decent Toslink cable.  I could switch back at forth RT between the analogue path vs the digital path > Ayre DAC and I will be damned if I can perceive any difference, not even in SPL.  The Codex was a bit of any improvement over my Ayre QB-9, a much-heralded DAC, which itself was a demonstrable improvement over the five sub-$1K DAC’s that preceded it streaming music from my iMac.  The QB-9 acquisition prompted me to sell my TT, it was that good.  The Codex is slightly better.

Two observations:
1.  The DAC in the Oppo 103 is very good.  
2.  Knowing that my $20 Toslink cable is as good as the RCA connection, it frees up the $350 Cerious Technology Graphene Express IC cables to be used elsewhere in my system.  

While I am moving to have all my music on an external HD and playing the music through the Audirvana software, with its error correction, etc., I will always have use a CD player.   By far, the great valued-component component in my sytem has long been the Oppo 103.  It was the best $550 I have ever spent in an audio purchase.  I did hear an Oppo 205 and it was slightly sonically superior to my Oppo 103, which makes sense.  I have no clue why Oppo discontinued their sales of the Oppo CDP’s.
whitestix

Showing 6 responses by whitestix

whitestix OP
731 posts
 
Good question, gents, but it is a bit off the mark.  My issue is on the front end, a bit different than the issue you raise.  To wit, I have compared connectivity from my Codex between RCA ICs and very cheap Monoprice XLR connectors ( my Don Sachs preamp accepts both inputs) and could discern zero difference in SQ.  Maybe better XLR cables would lead me to different conclusion. The Codex is set to accept the digital input from OPPO.

I appreciate your input.  
whitestix OP
731 posts
 
Mr M,
I guess I need to try XLR cables with the Codex again.  I tried in once and heard no difference.  I have inexpensive Monoprice XLR's so maybe I need to step up in quality to hear what you are hearing.  Don Sachs tells me the same thing with his Schiit Yggy.  

Noble,
I suspect you are exactly right about Oppo's decision to get out of the CDP business.  I was surprised on a visit to Thailand and Viet Nam where I saw Oppo signs on businesses, and got excited thinking they were audio stores.  Of course they were only selling cell phones.  

My Oppo 103 was far better than a Consonance tube CDP which was 6X the price of the Oppo.  On a whim, I sent the 103 to Stereo Dave's audio store in Seattle for some modest mods, which were just wonderful.  My pal, I swear, got the last 205D that Oppo sold and I kick myself for not getting one myself.  Check out the prices of used 205's -- shocking that they are selling at 2-3X the list price.  I dunno, maybe there are other CDP's as worthy as the 105/205 at similar prices, but I repeat again Oppo provides a glimpse of hifi sound at an incredibly modest price.  Considering price vs. performance, my 103 has been my best acquisition every.  

whitestix OP
731 posts
 
Gents,
I hooked up XLR cables to my Oppo and compared it to the RCA connections and the difference in sound is rather noticeable. It seems to reduce the glare to a certain degree and to my ears it is preferable.  Any recommendations for good XLR cables that don't break the bank would be appreciated as I roll as a "cheap and cheerful" sort of audiophile.   
whitestix OP
731 posts
 
Noble,
Very interesting.  Personally, I always wished that Oppo would produce an audio-only DAC and dispense with the video aspect of the units. But I understand that the video folks love the Oppo's as much as us audiophiles.  Thanks.  
whitestix OP
731 posts
 
tgrisham,
I meant to say that I I wished that Oppo would have made an "audio only" CDP without all the bells and whistles for video.  
whitestix OP
731 posts
 
Noble,
You well described the attributes of the 105.  I sure wish I had snapped up a 205 in the end, but with some simple mods to my 103, my ears tell me that it is a great player.   I dunno, maybe there are CDPs in their former price range that are as musical, but overall, I still say that the Oppo players are astoundingly fine and I lament their demise.   I will be surprised if Oppo doesn't somehow license their designs to somebody.  
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