Sorry to ask this SACD question, but

glup,

further down not only did I state 105, but using XLRs which are only available on the 105/205 players...: 

"And since the 105 is currently my only source it auto selects SACD only, but via the analog outs, which in my case is XLRs"

Has your friend contacted Oppo to see whether they have an update that could solve his issues  

tweak1,

You are right, I missed that "105" written lower in the post but did catch "XLR". However, I am far from an Oppo expert (I think I have physically seen only one in my life) and actually have no idea which one has XLR and which one does not. My question about the model, as silly as it seems now when I realize you have written it in the same post as the erroneous one, was to ensure more structure in this "Oppo, SONY, Yamaha, Denon, digital, RCA, Schiit, analog, HDMI" salad. It was really not picking on you or ill-intentioned in any way. I promise.

My friend has not contacted Oppo, he just lives with it, but does have the latest firmware installed. Whatever that really means in practice. Now, when I think of it, I have a feeling that his player has been freezing more and more often. Maybe something is dying in there. These things do have their lifespan. Maybe his is nearing the end despite being very lightly used (I would guess less than a disc a day on average) and he bought it later in the model life cycle.

Reportedly the Sony UBP-x800 will output 176.4/24 thru the coaxial connection playing SACDs. This would be PCM, of course but it would play. I wonder if it would be an improvement on what you have already.

Just remember that SONY UBP-X800 does not have analog RCA outputs, if they are ever needed. However, it may be the cheapest and simplest solution for questions/intentions from the original post.

curiousjim

I have enjoyed reading this thread. There is sound advice as above. Looking forward in reading more about you and your system once completed.

Happy Listening!