2. digital
  3. 190042-125

Should I cash in?

I have an Oppo UDP205, using it as Roon endpoint and DAC, fed by a very old Mac Mini (no idea what OS, it’s too old to use Roon 2.0 though). I never use physical media any more. 
should I sell the 205 and upgrade the Mini to a more updated version, then get a DAC to replace the Oppo’s DAC? I do currently use the balanced outputs to my pre (currently an Emotiva XMC-2), then to the Pass 250.8, then Aerial 7T’s (so you experts can guide me based on level of current equipment).

My technical knowledge on digital is almost non-existent, my eyes glaze over quickly when discussing bits and clocks and formats. I know SQ is subjective, but I would like the option of Roon on the go, and my current setup won’t allow that, and the sound quality of what I have is satisfying as is. Not looking for a leap forward in that department, but any changes would have to be at least as good. 
 

I also have a BDP103, so if I did need a transport with the new equipment to load what few discs I have, I would have that.

english210
english210 OP
175 posts
 

This idea started yesterday, initially the idea was to ‘swap’ the Oppo for the replacement. So that would depend on what the Oppo would fetch. Used is fine. 
option 2 is do nothing, since I’m basically happy with the system, just looking for increased functionality of Roon 2.0.

 

i know how this bug is, though….it won’t stick to initial plans;)

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audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,340 posts
 

If you want to maximize the ROI with your first purchase get a preamp. Or pickup an all in one unit like the Bricasti M3 with network renderer. It has excellent preamp section (I owned this DAC and used it direct and with preamp) that will hold you over until you can get a good dedicated preamp. Spending almost a grand on mac mini just to get the latest Roon version won’t upgrade your system’s sound quality. 

audiom3
153 posts
 

I cashed in a over two years ago and sold my UDP-205 for nearly 3x what I paid. I even nodded it with an LPS from OppoMod to great success. Still, it couldn't compete with my then PS Audio DS DAC playing files off my server. And now, with a Lumin U2 Streamer, fiber optic LAN and Ayee QX-5 Twenty DAC, the Oppo is ancient history. It's been over two years since I've spun a disc and don't miss it one bit (pun intended).

mds3017
4 posts
 

Roon has announced the Nucleus One. At $499 it may provide what you are looking for to solve the Roon part of your proposed upgrade.

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