Oppo 105 vs. 205 in playing SACDs

I think the superiority is likely for both types of discs.

I heard an improved  presentation with CD and I tend to think the updated SABRE chip in the 205 is a factor. 
Filter choice is important, though. Of the filter choices in the 205, there are 2 or 3 that definitely are better sounding and choosing the one that sounds right is important. They can be selected and changed on the fly in the 205 while listening.

I don't specifically recall if I did comparisons with SACD when I got my 205 but I think the sound of the 205, in general, is more saturated, smoother, and clearer sounding.

If you're thinking of buying one for crazy prices just to play SACD, there might be better options than a 205, especially if you'll use the Oppo as a DAC.

The coaxial and optical inputs on the Oppo 105 and 205 are not as good as the disc playback, in my opinion.

mrmf1971,

Thanks for your response. You’re right, it’s probably better to look for other options than pay those insane prices.
If the 205 sounds better than the 105 for SACDs, it must be truly impressive.

I wanted to buy the 205 (at list price) when I got my 105, but a friend insisted the 105 was better!
Moral of the story, don’t listen to friends!!

The only advantage to the 105 is the ability to rip SACD and to decode hdcd.
But quite frankly, on hdcd, I’d bet the 205 sounds better even without decoding. Plus ripping and decoding hdcd is easy these days, both on Mac and Windows machines.
In my other post, I didn't make clear that filter selection only applies to cd playback, not SACD playback, if I recall correctly.

"The grass is always greener..."

The 205 has a better power supply but for ~ $400 and minimal DIY skills I took an educated guess and updated my 105 with aftermarket LPM and a Furutech IEC with silver wire to connect to the PS and ground and a jumper to bypass the 110/220 switch. I was/am AMAZED, no longer use a preamp


See my blog on AGon

tonykay,

Absolutely!

Another "advantage" of the 205 is decoding of MQA encoded CDs. However, the machine is noisy as it decodes. The music generally masks the noise (think PC ripping CD to hard drive) but I would locate the machine behind the wall (and pass thru the interconnects) if I could. The MQA discs do sound great (Rebecca Pidgeon & Donald Fagen's Nightfly so far).

Couldn't compare the 2 but I have the 205 and it is the single best audio purchase I have ever made. The flagship sabre dac is wonderful and have not found one that is better, AKM and Wolfson included.
As you know, Oppo has reorganized and dropped the product. In your position I would seek out Marantz or Bryston.

Thanks for the responses.
I’m just going to have to stop obsessing about my lost opportunity and enjoy the pleasure I’m getting from the 105 now.