Should I cash in?
I have an Oppo UDP205, using it as Roon endpoint and DAC, fed by a very old Mac Mini (no idea what OS, it’s too old to use Roon 2.0 though). I never use physical media any more.
should I sell the 205 and upgrade the Mini to a more updated version, then get a DAC to replace the Oppo’s DAC? I do currently use the balanced outputs to my pre (currently an Emotiva XMC-2), then to the Pass 250.8, then Aerial 7T’s (so you experts can guide me based on level of current equipment).
My technical knowledge on digital is almost non-existent, my eyes glaze over quickly when discussing bits and clocks and formats. I know SQ is subjective, but I would like the option of Roon on the go, and my current setup won’t allow that, and the sound quality of what I have is satisfying as is. Not looking for a leap forward in that department, but any changes would have to be at least as good.
I also have a BDP103, so if I did need a transport with the new equipment to load what few discs I have, I would have that.
Oppo was a good choice back when it was sold. Back then, some have upgraded Oppo sonics with Modwright mods here (discontinued) But since then, there have been tremendous strides in sonics for both DACs and servers and digital audio in general has been a hotbed for new products and innovations like newer chips. So sonically you’d be better off moving on to upgrade @english210 - after determining a budget, if you reach out again we can point you to great products to consider |
Notable DACs (prices not up to date): 2.3 Doge 7 MkII tube DAC *2.6 Ferrum Wandla - HR competes w 10k DACs +1.2 HYPSOS power supply 2.7 LAiV Harmony DAC 3.0 Musician Aquarius - sounds like a $5k DAC 4.5 Wired4Sound DAC-2v2SE 5.0 Audio-GD R7HE MK2 5.6 Kitsune Hifi May-KTE *6.6 Lampizator Baltic 4 (punches way above price point- beats KTE). 6.8 Bel Canto Ex1 DAC (Transparent) 7.1 T+A DAC200 7.3 Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP |
