2. digital
  3. 190042-125

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.

english210
zlone
657 posts
 

That’s a nice system and would benefit greatly from a new preamp. I just put an XP-12 in my system and I love it. I understand being a bit overwhelmed by the digital world, there are so many choices and combinations. While separates are ideal, you might start with a streamer/DAC combo. Audphile made some good recommendations. 

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english210 OP
175 posts
 

Thanks all. I have an Eero already at the system, since the internet comes into the house where all the equipment is.

as an example of my lack of computer savvy-ness, is it possible to update the OS to a version that would support Roon 2.0? If so, the Mini can stay, if not then it’ll need to be replaced. If I’m going to replace equipment, I may as well improve the functionality in areas that matter to me, as well as (try to) ensure the SQ is advanced. I’m seeing a lot of responses to keep the Mini, but it’s too old to support the advanced functionality available now. Tvad suggests a Nucleus to replace the Mini, which would be my first thought, but I’ve seen a fair amount of ‘meh’ opinions on the Nucleus. It would be simple, and simple is good. Back when computers and audio were separate hobbies, I was good;)

 

not seeing any suggestions to keep the Oppo, so the basic question of should I cash in seems to be a ‘yes’.

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english210 OP
175 posts
 

I’m sure the sonic weak link is the Emotiva processor, but the system is hybrid HT and 2 channel, but a good pre is on the wish list. It would have to have HT bypass, and although I’d like to try a tube pre, it seems to be a little limiting being part of a hybrid system, so I’m thinking of staying with Pass, as was suggested and going -12 or -22. 
first things first though, gotta sort out the 1’s and 0’s. Is there a way to quantify the level of the DAC in the Oppo to an equivalent stand alone? Then I can see what level of DAC/streamer/etc that I’d need to replace it with. No point in going through all this and ending up loosing sound quality b/c I didn’t get good enough equipment.

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