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USB DACs that outperforms OPPO 105D's internal DAC?

I have some music on an external USB drive.

I connect it to a USB input on OPPO, and it sounds good.

OPPO is connected to a TV and I select songs using OPPO's remote control.

The problem is, there are hundreds of albums and thousands of songs in the USB drive, and it takes time to scroll to the albums or songs I want to play.

I am thinking of two ways to solve the problem: Purchase a wifi USB dongle that will connect the USB drive to an iPad, and browse music using iPad. Another option is to connect the USB drive to a laptop and purchase an external DAC to sit between the laptop and a preamp. The laptop's video output will be connected to a TV and I can use a wireless mouse or keyboard to browse the music.

The second approach will be more expensive because I need to purchase a new DAC. Which DAC would you recommend that outperforms the OPPO's internal DAC at under $1000 used or new?

Would there be another option to play the music in the external USB drive?

128x128ihcho

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,514 posts
 

The Oppo is getting older now and DAC's have come a long way in the last few years. I'd bet a good many newer DAC's will out perform the internal one in the Oppo.

Schiit Audio, a whole host of Asian DAC's, and so many more. I'd bet any DAC above $300 will out perform the internal DAC.  R2R / multi-bit is what i would look for if it was me. 

The other option is a dedicated streamer that can organize your files / meta data. They can organize all your files/meta data much easier then laptops and External DAC's and players and simplifies the whole lot. 

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