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I want to dump my Oppo; but...

I'm getting an Ayre C-5xeMP and I'd like it to replace My Oppo BDP-105, assuming it performs better once I get to comparing. The problem is I've built up a sizable library on USB drives and the Ayre has no digital inputs. An outboard DAC would do for the music; but how would I navigate through the 100+ folders and their files? I don't have or want a smart phone and keeping a laptop on my knees would be a real buzzkill. Right now I use the 105 just for stereo audio and it's plugged into an old LCD monitor for navigation and set-up.
2channel8
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,239 posts
 
2channel8.
I am not sure you were directing your question to me but, I usually program a group of songs from my laptop to fit the mood and the time allotted.

ozzy
mahler123
3,081 posts
 
OP
  I would sell the Ayre and get a Bryston DAC3.  The Oppo can be a transport for it, and can be used as a streamer.  The Oppo can output DSD from SACD, play Usb, and the Bryston is a killer DAC .  This is my setup, and I don’t know what the Ayre will sell for, but if you bought it new and can get 90% of the price back maybe I He wife will approve?
2channel8 OP
753 posts
 
@ozzy , Yes it was directed to you and I think I get the picture now.

@mahler123, I took a quick look at the Bryston DAC and it is very impressive!

Last night I faced the music with my wife and took my 40 lashes. It was painful, but we'll both heal.
2channel8 OP
753 posts
 
Well I've had the C-5xeMP running for a couple of days now. Right out of the box and still quite cold from being in an unheated UPS truck (I actually met the delivery guy in my driveway and nearly ripped it from his arms) It sounded very good via Zu Mission XLRs to my Primare I32. I didn't have much time to listen because we had guests. The next day I gave it a good spin, but it's still opening up. At this point CDs and SACDs are wonderful. They just grab you. My daughter was walking through the room and actually stopped to comment while I was playing a Norah Jones SACD. She's never done that before. DVDs don't sound much better than the Oppo at this point and frankly it's not worth the PIA to navigate on the Ayre. That may change with a little more burn in. Ayre says that the unit must re-burn after an extended time off.

My next challenge is burning a few CDs. My 320 kbps MP3 files will need to be converted to 44.1 or 44 kHz. Any recommendations for good software for a newbie would be appreciated.

In summary, I'm pretty happy I made this mistake!
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