HDMI video and HDMI audio are 2 different things- I don’t know how well the $40 converter you’re referring to will handle audio reproduction either. The DOB unit that @yyzsantabarbara mentions has been highly recommended- but I’ve never tried one with my Oppo unit. I believe the Bryston BDA 3.14 dac will do what you’re asking for. I’ve read that it has the ability to process audio via HDMI and a pass the audio out. You’d need to confirm that for SACD as I read about this some time ago. |
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If the Oppo doesn’t output i2S, which it likely does not, you don’t wanna use its HDMI output for audio anyway, period (unless if it’s for the limited use case of passing a native DSD signal if the Oppo even has that capability). For audio in general you’re better off using the USB, SPDIF, AES/EBU outs to a DDC like the Hermes I mentioned above and let that do the conversion to i2S. |
As DSD from SACD only 64, I will just use the optical input and get rid of the cheap box. The Venus II is far beyond my expectations for DAC for the cost. Sitting in the middle of Denafrips line it has all I want and nothing I don't. {except 2 optical inputs.The impressive construction, and design along with price is what I settled on after months of looking. SACD is nice, but some BLU-RAY's and DVD-A are incredible as well. No Regrets. |
I’m honestly having a hard time following what you’re doing as the info of your system has come in piecemeal, but if I’m reading right you’re still using a computer as a source into your very nice Venus DAC. If that’s the case that should be the first thing you should address and add a dedicated streamer that’ll up your performance significantly. Likewise, adding a DDC and converting to i2S is another area for significant sonic improvements, and I’ll call on @vthokie83 yet again as he can tell you his experience upgrading to i2S with his Denafrips Pontus II. FWIW. |
