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OPPO BDP103 & DSD Files

So I'm building a new system with my current speakers.
What I am leaning toward is the Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 Integrate & the OPPO BPD103 along with my B&W CM6 S2 speakers. I was going to do separate amp/pre but after reading the reviews of the STI-500 Integrate I think that will suit my needs pretty well.
Currently I am playing DSD & FLAC files via a Marantz music server through a Yamaha R-S700 receiver. I want to be able to play SACD disks as well as DSD & FLAC files via the same unit if possible. Unfortunately, the OPPO will only play DSD through the HDMI2 port and the STI-500 does not have a HDMI port at all to connect to.
My question in should I try a HDMI conversion or can anyone suggest from experience another SACD player in the under $1,000.00 range that will allow for DSD & FLAC playback? I do not plan on using the OPPO for any video thus I'm leaning to the non Darbee Edition OPPO 103.
Look forward to any suggestions.
wcc10
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
Nobody wants to chime in? OK, how about any suggestions on the Wyred 4 Sound STI-500? Any thoughts on this one?
pdn
438 posts
 
I had a similar challenge only reversed a few years ago when I upgraded to an Integra Pre-Pro from a Rotel surround sound receiver.  The Integra only decodes DSD from SACDs through one of its HDMI inputs.  So I had to then upgrade to an OPPO BD-103 and invest in an AQ HDMI IC.  I listen to mostly multi-channel SACDs.  Are you listening to multi-channel or two channel SACDs? 

I was using an NAD T-535 universal player for my SACDs but could no longer.  I still have the NAD unit and now use it to play just standard CDs.  I suspect that any new SACD players (probably most likely universal Blu-ray players  or higher end reference players) are only going to send out its DSD through HDMI.  Now the challenge for you is to indentify new SACD players that output its DSD via analog and not just HDMI and also play SACD/FLAC files and not just discs.  (I just took a quick look at the Marantz UD7007 for you but only through HDMI).  I'm not familiar with how well HDMI to analog SACD converters work.  My gut tells me this would not be your best & final solution.  You always seem to lose something when using converters.  You may want to consider changing the integrated amp end of your new build.  Just my two cents.  P.S.  I'm thinking of selling my T-535 which would resolve part of your issue with playing SACDs through analog outputs.  It doesn't have any inputs (USB) for playing music files.  
wcc10 OP
119 posts
 
I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head!
Currently I am not playing any SACD files. I am playing 2 channel DSD via thumb drive & network and this is what I am hoping to continue to do in addition to a good SACD player. My system will be 2 channel only. So I am looking for a unit which will play SACD AND DSD. The DSD via thumb drive or via network connection.
I agree that any converter will probably reduce output quality. Thus my dilemma. I appreciate your offer and agree that your NAD player would indeed solve 1/2 of my quest. But I think I need to continue my research and find a total solution to my problem as I am trying to keep the total number of separate components down as much as possible.
Thanks very much for your response.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I love my Oppo but can't say it's the best for a thumb drive or network.  You definitely want a monitor attached to really play from those sources.  You would be best served to have 2 boxes, not one.  A used Oppo 95 should be better for audio than the 103 for not much more money.  For the network, you will be much better served with a laptop or tablet running JRiver and either streaming or attached to the Oppo.
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