How good is the Oppo 105 as a DAC?

Hi Pokey77, I arrived at my conclusions during the custom installations I've done over the past few years. Most of the time I'm comparing the Oppo to Denon players and prefer the latter in every case. I don't sell either product and don't have a horse in this race. I'm not saying that Oppo's a bad product but it's not high end, just a slightly enhanced flavor of a mass market product.

I have compared the Oppo 105 to the Cambridge 840 in a system comprising Air Tight ATC2/ATM3 mono's/Tannoy Canterbury HE, all wired with Oracle/Ref MIT.

The Oppo is very smooth and pleasant to listen to but the Cambridge 840 is far more resolving and transparent. The 840 has been replaced with the new Cambridge 851 and this is a significant step up from the 840. I've also had the DCS Debussy in the system and it was equalled by the Cambridge.

For me the Cambridge 851 is a no brainer, and includes USB & transport.

Other DACs listened to Eximus - quite resolving but perhaps a little dry, Zodiac plus - very good, very analog sounding with good resolution.

Dover
My experience is much the opposite to yours. The Oppo is much more revealing and more musical. The 840C in comparison is veiled and less involving. It is a great player but just not in the same camp as the Oppo, not for me anyways. Just thought I'd share that. For reference, I have not heard the 851.

Dkarmeli
Are you comparing the Oppo 105 to Denon's higher-end models?

OP:
I'm in the market for a good DAC and always heard good things about the DAC in the Oppo 105. I already have the 103 Darbee edition for my home theater setup but was wondering about using the Oppo 105 for my 2 channel setup

I suppose the real answer here lies in how much $$$$ the 105 will cost. A standard OEM, or Modded one? Modded from whom? New, or used?

Given the brand new OTB price I should think if the real aim here is strictly “2 ch” as was said by the OP[ then there’s little question that a dedicated DAC will surely outperform the the 105 in the same price category.

I’ve owned several Oppos. Up to the 83, and heard other’s beyond it in quite good systems. Even modded Oppos.

All were improved in SQ by the addition of a dedicated DAC even a modestly priced one.

No OPPO disc player to my ears, has out run a properly selected dedicated DAC for 2 ch audio performance.

Selecting a Good DAC which has good jitter attenuation/control and suits either the system synergy or the OP listening perfs is where I’d ALWAYS put my $$$$. That is of course, IF obtaining the best 2 ch audio is INDEED the desire.

Obtaining a decent transport later will definitely be a far lesser concern, IF a nice DAC is chosen now.

In the 1K to 1.5K DAC arena there are a few well worth checking out. Especially if pre-owned DACs are acceptable.

Why compromise the stereo sound given the items already in house?