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
mds3017
3 posts
 

Roon has announced the Nucleus One. At $499 it may provide what you are looking for to solve the Roon part of your proposed upgrade.

kennyc
1,472 posts
 

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

english210 OP
175 posts
 

Yeah, sounds like I need to audition some DACs and servers. Is it safe (ish) to say the greater sonic improvement will be the DAC, and the Nucleus or equivalent for usability portion is less sonically critical? I don’t have bad gear, but a $20K DAC seems like it’s overkill. Budget is important, but it’s more important not to waste money. When I pull the trigger on something, it needs to be an improvement. Sounds like $2-3k may not get me that, and over 10 would be hard to swallow….ive never laid out more than 6 at a time. 

kennyc
1,472 posts
 

The general audiophile rule is to address the weak links in one’s audio chain first

tubeguy80
69 posts
 

There are tons of really nice DACs in the $3k to $6k range, I'd demo as many as I could get my hands on and go from there. One needn't spend $20k to get excellent sound. 

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