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Should I PURCHASE AN EXTERNAL DAC

I  have been debating on whether or not to purchase an external DAC and/or update my CD/SACD equipment. Honestly I am not very knowledgeable about DAC chips and I am in need of advice. Currently I have the Pioneer DV-47A Elite for my SACD's and a Rotel RCD 990 for my CD's. All being feed thru my Marantz AV8802A pre amp. When I purchased the Pioneer and Rotel new they were considered very good equipment and  had the better DAC chips at the time. I am using the DAC chip set in the Marantz for my Rotel and the DAC chip set in the Pioneer for SACD. I am considering the Oppo 205 if i decide to update, for SACD and CD's and Blue ray, (I also do home theater). Will the chip set in the Oppo or an external DAC be superior and noticeably different than my current equipment? How does it compare to the DAC in my Marantz? My budget is about $1000 for an external DAC. I am open to suggestions for equipment and any advice. I also use my computer to stream music from Amazon and Spotify (no Tidal or Roon streaming yet).  thanks  
don_1

Showing 2 responses by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,521 posts
 
Go with the OPPO 205 or 105, both are very good! You will be very glad u did  when you can replace two players with one! Also, built in dual ESS Saber DAC's with stereo RCA or XLR outs, will blow away what your old units are doing. This is a giant killer of a product for the money.


Matt M
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,521 posts
 
ROFL STEVE buddy ur killing all of us here! SO according to you Stereophile is full of *&^$ and the OPPO is not a class A rated audio device for 2 channel? It sounds like *&^% because of all this jitter coming from the highly re guarded ESS saber DACS? I think you need to realize that most people dont care about owning some expensive esoteric re clocker, they care about getting great sound and if its packed full of future proof stuff well all the better. I dont think making the OPPO sound like it needs something (or is missing something)..for $1200 it has everything it needs and then some!

P.S. And if you want a great re clocker jitter reducer try a Monarchy Audio DIP. These work very well and are not expensive. Another highly praised product.

http://www.monarchy-audio.com/Products.htm

Matt M
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