2. digital
  3. 151100-86355

Separate DAC or continue using the Oppo UDP-205

Hello,

  I have all my music on a hard drive in FLAC.
I am a using Sonos Connect, Optically connected to the Oppo. From the Oppo (RCA'S out) to a Primaluna Dialogue     Preamp. The Amps are 2 Primaluna HP's. Martin Logan Theos speakers. I have rolled mostly all the tubes, and absolutely love the sound. Family and friends also love the sound.

 My question is, Should I continue going through the Oppo, or should I get a separate DAC? Nothing to crazy in price.
I have seen these things go for thousands, and thats fine if you can swing it. I was thinking around a $1000.
But, would it change the sound or would it pretty much be the same? In other words, is the Oppo that good at what it does?

 Since we are always tweaking our systems to make them sound better, I thought I would ask all of you first, before calling the salesman. I also have thought about  getting a turntable. But I gave away all my albums many years ago.
Buying a turntable, buying albums, taking care of all that stuff. Not really what I had in mind. I would like to keep it fun, and simple.

  Thanks
Ag insider logo xs@2xloganfan
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
If you like the way the OPPO UDP-205 DAC sounds, and you're not looking for a change, I wouldn't recommend trying too hard to better it. Yes, there are people who don't like the way it sounds and so either mod it or would prefer a different DAC. Or prefer the sound of a different DAC more, while still liking the OPPO. But you should figure out that part for yourself by listening to some things.

For connecting a USB hard disk directly, it needs to be FAT, FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS. You can check what format your hard disk is in by using the Disk Utility application on your Mac. Alternatively, if you have network connectivity for the UDP-205, you could ask your Mac to export the hard disk as a file share. Or consider using a Dante network connection to send optical over Ethernet if you think the Sonos Connect digital transfer and output isn't working well for you.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,877 posts
 
The 205 is great for Blu-ray and decent cd but by no means 
Audiophile quality digital how good is your system ,and your
budget ? A lot of factors  to figure in . If you have around $3k 
lampizator has a great new tube dac the Amber-3 lots of trickle down technologies from their pacific flagship . The most detailed
natural dac under $6k IMO .  I had Luxmans top dac, as well as PS audio $6k dac sold them. And bought the Lampi  and comes with a 14 day return .
digitaljoseph
12 posts
 
Maybe sell the Oppo and
get  a schit eggy instead or a benshmark








gadios
94 posts
 
Our Club, AZAVClub.com held a blind DAC shootout last month
and the results of the 20+ people who attended are posted to the site.

I too have the 205, and was ready to buy a $2,000 DAC for an upgrade.
After listening to the 10 DACs we tested, I have an entirely new plan.

Innous. $4,200 new. Looking for a used one. 

As your first responder warned, twenty answers all different.
Good luck. 
lancelock
1,085 posts
 
The Oppo 205 has the ESS 9038 Pro, their flagship DAC. It is a very good DAC. I had my 205 modded at Modwright with the full tube stage mods and separate power supply. It sounds incredible. It’s worth keeping and upgrading. My opinion of course.
More to discover