2. misc-audio
  3. 1397260101

Adding a SACD player

I want to add an Oppo universal player to my system which includes all Bel Canto electronics. This is strictly for sacds that for right now I play just listening to the redbook layer. My question is regarding the connection to my BC 3.5 DAC, which also doubles as my preamp. I'm confused as to whether I should use a digital or an analog connect. Will the sacd layer be passed thru using the digital or do I need to go the analog route. Also, which dac would actually be utilized, the dac in the Oppo or the BC dac. Thanks
cruxis
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
Doggiehowser...I have an Ayre C5xemp....sometimes the SACD is better, but not often. Redbook CD's are sometimes surprisingly good
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Stan (Stringreen) ... please pull some of threads on this topic. I agree with you last post.

As of late, I have been buying so called "hi-rez" redbook CD, e.g., "Gold" quality, and have been quite surprised by just how satisfying a musical experience hi-rez redbook can provide. I also bought a batch of classical music redbook CDs from a member a couple of months ago. I don't think the CDs are "hi-rez" but sound pretty darn good anyway.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I haven't heard the C5XEMP but I have demo-ed the DX5 in my system and IMHO the SACD shows a good improvement over CDs in that system.

I'm not dismissing CDs of course. And I also go for good pressings/mastering CDs which sometimes can cost more than SACDs :) but if there's an SACD available, I'll look for it.
cruxis OP
3 posts
 
So I guess in my situation, would I have to connect the oppo directly to the amps, and then switch from xlr on the back of the amps, to rca, in order to hear the sacd layer?
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Not quite.

Check that your power amps really have dual inputs. Very few do.

In most cases, the XLR and RCA are connected directly to the same input on the power amp - the switch merely changes the way ground is connected. If that's the case, having both XLR and RCA connected means both are active simultaneously. And even if you power one down, it means the other's acting as an antenna or creating all sorts of weird impedance values.

You might want to look at getting a good analog preamp into the mix.

The DAC3.5VB II IMHO outclasses the company's Pre3 (have not tried their Pre3VB) so you might have to spring for a better preamp. I'd recommend having an audition of the Ayre KX5/KXR or the Audio Research Reference 5SE, both of which I found to have good synergies with the Bel Canto.
More to discover