Oppo Sonica DAC for streaming Tidal

I have the Sonica Dac (modded by Audiocom UK), I love it the sound is amazingly good and the unit has some great features. Although it is quite hard to fault there some caveats to consider as it is not quite futureproof

• No support for gapless playback
  
• No Digital XLR input
• Not Roon Ready or likely to ever be (I have contacted OPPO directly a few times)
• No firmware update since May 2016 ( only an update for iOS 11)

In 2018. I plan to upgrade to the PS Audio DSD DAC as this will provide all of the functionality and quality of sound to compliment my set up. 
Pre - MF Primo
Pwr -MF AMS50
CD - MF AMSCD
SPK Harbeth 5HLS 30th anniversary 
BD - Primare BD 32 mk I
PWR Con - Burmester 948
Mac Mini
Synology 6- bay nas 
AVA Media - RIP N PLAY nas

Netgear X10 router, GC110P Switch (X2)
FMC (from switch to a OPPO)

Hello joining late to the convo and I have a different type of question. Currently I stream my itunes lib over my network to the DAC over the ethernet line.  I was considering hooking my external hard drive directly into the DAC via USB.  My question is would I hear an improvement in overall sound? Opinions please!  I love this DAC I had a Sim Audio 100D, this for my system and ears opened things up and bit and the music sounds more controlled with imaging and depth.

Totally agree. Mine has about 150 hours on it 

Over the many years I have been at this, nothing enters my main system until at least 200 hours are on it, (depending on the device/cable, 500 hours sometimes).  Yes, I know some of you don't believe in burn in, but I happen to...strongly.

I have a separate little system in one of my record rooms that I use strictly for burning in of gear/cable.

I did listen to my Sonica right out of the box in my main system and thought it was a little closed in and dry.  Took it out and returned it after 200 hours and WOW, did this little guy sound spectacular!  I left it in and did notice a very subtle change or two, until about the 500 hour mark, then it settled in quite nicely.

I highly recommend this DAC.  It's nice to find something that is not very expensive and performs well above that price point.  I've had tons of equipment through here and this doesn't happen very often

My Sonica arrived 6 days ago. plugged it in and turned it on, but unable to connect it and listen until today.  Very impressed with the sound so far.  Thoughts on break-in?

does the Sonica sound similar to the 205 ?

Same DAC section.

I would seriously consider the Sonica as a nice replacement of my current DAC and SBT, if only Oppo would update the software to do gapless playback.  What a shame they can't seem to get this done.

does the Sonica sound similar to the 205 ?

I only heard one Oppo DAC, streaming from USB from a Mac MINI, through headphones. OUCH. Hurt to listen to.

I'm glad to see their product line improved.

Best,

E

I have to say that all my experience with my Sonica are very positive. Over here in the UK it got a lousy review from Which magazine. I contacted my pal who has a hi fi shop in Glasgow and he said give it a try. As it was a new unit I gave it a week and then had a good listen to it. As I wanted to get a new DAC for my pc I hooked it up via USB and let it play music all the time my pc was up. The Sonica has replaced an RME audiophile soundcard which was not cheap as computer music is my thing and The Sonica trounced the card in all areas. I would really recomend it as it has bit and frequency functions that are not even available to us yet so it is pretty well future proof. I have to say that it does need a good power cable. Good luck.

mofimadness, what were all the other DACs you've had and you are comparing the Sonica with?

thanks !

I bought mine the day it came out.  I've had many, many DACs through here and absolutely LOVE this little guy!

Throws a huge, wide, deep soundstage and is very dynamic.  IMHO, it leans a notch or two to the warm side of the fence, (which I prefer).

It is extremely well built and a joy to use.

Highly recommended!