Oppo BDP-83 SE vs McCormack UDP-1 Deluxe

Paul,

Not Kal responding, but my Sony XA5400ES is set up to output either HDMI or analog XLR to my Cary Cinema 11a processor. I prefer the HDMI even for stereo, but a well done bit-streamed multichannel SACD tips the scale heavily in favor of HDMI. My impression is that the Cary Cinema 11a is an excellent choice for audio quality.

db

Kal, I totally get (and dig) HDMI for movies. But for "music only" not sure?

Why not? Is there some difference in the data on the discs?

IMO HDMI complicates (and severley limits) stereo/audio setup, requiring a good quality HDMI equipped pre/pro, which eliminates 95+% of audiophile gear.

Since I listen, if at all possible, to multichannel music, the equipment is a given. For those still using stereo and analog equipment, you are correct in implying that some changes may be necessary.

Which HDMI based pre/pro (< $1k) or integrated (< $2.5k) would you recommend, for audio only?

AFAIK, there are no audio-only stereo digital processors with HDMI to handle SACD/Blu-ray in that price range. McIntosh and Classe have just introduced stereo analog/digital preamps and, one hopes, there will be less expensive alternatives to follow.

The only options in that range are used multichannel prepros (Integra/Onkyo) or AVRs (many) but only you can decide if using them as all digital except for the output stages will suit you. I have heard of a number of people who have been happy to replace a high-end preamp with one of the new inexpensive pre-pros. I have also heard of many who disdain such.

Kal

Kal, we are actually in Synch. For multichannel (means movies for me) I also prefer HDMI. No disdain here, but I have separate rooms/setups for HT and Music (96% stereo).

And given no reasonably priced stereo HDMI gear is available, implicitly, initial primary focus of this thread was on ("Oppo BDP-83SE" vs "McCoramck UDP-1" vs "eSound E5 Platinum Edition") Stereo music Sound Quality.

I am still interested in hearing from owners who have 1st hand experience with at least 2 of the above listed CD players.

DB, I will look into Cary Cinema 11a, as the opportunity arises to merge my setups.