Just was wondering, how you set up the OPPO for CD's ? did you use the digital outputs and /or the analog outputs? I'm getting myself confused about using the chipset in the Oppo I should use the analog outputs..correct? and for SACD the only choice would be the 7.1 analog outputs?
Should I PURCHASE AN EXTERNAL DAC
I have been debating on whether or not to purchase an external DAC and/or update my CD/SACD equipment. Honestly I am not very knowledgeable about DAC chips and I am in need of advice. Currently I have the Pioneer DV-47A Elite for my SACD's and a Rotel RCD 990 for my CD's. All being feed thru my Marantz AV8802A pre amp. When I purchased the Pioneer and Rotel new they were considered very good equipment and had the better DAC chips at the time. I am using the DAC chip set in the Marantz for my Rotel and the DAC chip set in the Pioneer for SACD. I am considering the Oppo 205 if i decide to update, for SACD and CD's and Blue ray, (I also do home theater). Will the chip set in the Oppo or an external DAC be superior and noticeably different than my current equipment? How does it compare to the DAC in my Marantz? My budget is about $1000 for an external DAC. I am open to suggestions for equipment and any advice. I also use my computer to stream music from Amazon and Spotify (no Tidal or Roon streaming yet). thanks
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Until you upgrade your sources to lower the jitter, the differences will be small. I continue to hear audiophiles say that a $200 DAC sounds the same as a $2000 DAC, or that all DACs sound the same. This is why I highly recommend upgrading your source or reducing the jitter from it. Here is typical jitter from a transport: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154408.0 If you intend to use a transport, then you have 2 choices: buy a very expensive transport to lower the jitter ($5K+), or use your current transport and lower it's jitter with a reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh ($599). Once you have a low jitter source, only then can you properly audition DACs and S/PDIF coax cables. Then you will hear the real differences and be able to make an informed choice. Unfortunately, you will not be able to do SACD with an external DAC. You will still need the analog outputs from your CDP. Nothing much can be done about SACD jitter, except to mod your DAC, which will reduce jitter, but not nearly to the level of a good reclocker. If you don't have a large SACD collection, don't bother. Your CD collection will probably sound better than the SACDs anyway. Treating CDs with coatings and other tweaks to reduce CD jitter are not necessary if you use a Synchro-Mesh reclocker. Steve N. Empirical Audio |
@don_1 I own the Oppo 105, not the 205, but I think they are similar in that they use the same DAC chips in their digital and analog stages. I use the 105 in a two channel system. SACD is played through the analog outputs. I also have the 105 connected to the Bryston DAC 3 which accepts the DSD from SACDs over HDMI |
to audioengr and mahler123: thanks for the advice. I certainly will consider the syncro-mesh at $599 it's a reasonably priced upgrade. I had forgotten I can use the HDMI for SACD. I've been using the 7.1 to the Pioneer for so long. I'm pretty satisfied with my current set up but i felt it was time to upgrade and tweet it some to get better sound. The rest of my system consists of maggies 1.7i's powered by Bryston 6BSST2 via XLR, up front for 2 channel, mmg's for side surround and rear, and B & K 7250 and a Sunfire cinema Grand for surround duties. HSU for sub duties. It seems like what I read on this forum the vast majority are not into home theater set ups , just 2 or multi channel music. I love my music but I enjoy a bang up movie too working that sub! |
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