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Oppo 103 comparison with an Ayre Codex

I have a new Ayre Codex DAC, a pretty good DAC.   I connected my Oppo 103 to my preamp with RCA cables and also connected the Oppo via a decent Toslink cable.  I could switch back at forth RT between the analogue path vs the digital path > Ayre DAC and I will be damned if I can perceive any difference, not even in SPL.  The Codex was a bit of any improvement over my Ayre QB-9, a much-heralded DAC, which itself was a demonstrable improvement over the five sub-$1K DAC’s that preceded it streaming music from my iMac.  The QB-9 acquisition prompted me to sell my TT, it was that good.  The Codex is slightly better.

Two observations:
1.  The DAC in the Oppo 103 is very good.  
2.  Knowing that my $20 Toslink cable is as good as the RCA connection, it frees up the $350 Cerious Technology Graphene Express IC cables to be used elsewhere in my system.  

While I am moving to have all my music on an external HD and playing the music through the Audirvana software, with its error correction, etc., I will always have use a CD player.   By far, the great valued-component component in my sytem has long been the Oppo 103.  It was the best $550 I have ever spent in an audio purchase.  I did hear an Oppo 205 and it was slightly sonically superior to my Oppo 103, which makes sense.  I have no clue why Oppo discontinued their sales of the Oppo CDP’s.
whitestix
hgeifman
2,278 posts
 
As noted above, your Ayre Codex DAC will sound much better when you use its balanced XLR outputs.  Does your preamp have balanced inputs?

In addition, please confirm your Codex DAC is set to operate as a DAC and not a preamp/DAC.  I assume you are doing this but I have to ask. Your post states you are using a preamp. 
whitestix OP
727 posts
 
Good question, gents, but it is a bit off the mark.  My issue is on the front end, a bit different than the issue you raise.  To wit, I have compared connectivity from my Codex between RCA ICs and very cheap Monoprice XLR connectors ( my Don Sachs preamp accepts both inputs) and could discern zero difference in SQ.  Maybe better XLR cables would lead me to different conclusion. The Codex is set to accept the digital input from OPPO.

I appreciate your input.  
junzhang10
252 posts
 
I use Oppp105D XLR lineout to Sennheise DVA600 Earphone Amp/Pre-amp and get the best sound quality.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I was never a big fan of balanced ins/outs, but after connecting the Codex to the balanced inputs of my amp, this was a notable step up in SQ.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
"I did hear an Oppo 205 and it was slightly sonically superior to my Oppo 103, which makes sense.  I have no clue why Oppo discontinued their sales of the Oppo CDP’s."


Hello whitesix,

     I think Oppo getting out of the Blu-ray player market was mainly a financial business decision based on player future sales+cost forecasts, they thought ROI would be better with other products.  I know they're #1 in cell phone sales in China and have invested heavily in 5G cell phone development.
    I own a 105 and love it and was about to buy a 205 when I heard the news.  All Oppo players are  excellent with great support and customer service.  I'm already missing them, too.


Tim
   
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