oppo 205 vs sepearate DAC or CD player.. should I bother?


I am currently using an Oppo 205 as my digital source, and I primarily listen from classic Rock to heavier music. Sound Garden, NIN etc.

Are differences in these recordings even worth going for a stand alone CD player or DAC?

I recently picked up a ML 326S pre, and I am tempted to look for a used 390S to match. The 512 is way out of the budget. I am thinking 2-3k.


System is listed under my systems.


thanks.

Brian

no_money
Which Oppo 205 digital output you plan to use?  SPDIF or HDMI?

Please note that Oppo 205 SPDIF output is 'scaled' to 48k when playing Blu-Ray or SACD high-res audio, and that's only for 2 channel.  Also, there's no DSD output through SPDIF.  PCM is limited to 192k when playing from USB media.

IMHO, you need more than your budget to have an external DAC better than Oppo 205 built-in DAC, and the external DAC must have HDMI input, something like Bryston BDA-3 (just an example, not recommendation).
Forget about the DAC and spend the 3k on the full Modwright upgrade on your 205. Then roll the rectifier and the 2 stock 6922’s that come from Dan to some nice NOS tubes. You’ll end up with a world class spinner you’ll wanna listen to music to for hours each sitting. Good luck! 👍