Playing SACD audio on old equipment

[70sMac]

...I hope that my questions haven't upset anyone. I'm an old veteran on a limited budget, so wasting money isn't an option for us (my wife and I).

In case it got lost in the shuffle, we were blown out of NOLA in 2005 by Katrina and it took us 13 years to get back into our own home again. The world, especially the A/V -- and now "digital" -- world has evolved a lot in that span of years.

Put simply, we're still in the process of dusting things off and making use of them again. We invested a lot of hard-earned into our entertainment gear, but we also realize that it's not "up to date" by any means. We don't have money to waste, so we have to be careful about where it goes and...I'm sorry, but that's why I started this thread in the first place. Yes, it has taken some twists and turns, but I think that's understandable under the circumstances. A/V/D has also taken [a lot of] twists and turns.

I humbly apologize if my questions have offended anyone. Nevertheless, we sincerely thank you for trying to make sense out of the issues, as we see them.

[W9TR]

Bill - you are asking the right questions and doing a lot of really good research, so no problems.

In my post #97 I’ve highlighted a way for you to get to 5.1 in a way that will stagger your costs over time and allow you to enjoy what you have now while building for the future. It’s what I’ve done over the years, adding a new piece here or there or improving something as the technology changes.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Bill - you are asking the right questions and doing a lot of really good research, so no problems.

In my post #97 I’ve highlighted a way for you to get to 5.1 in a way that will stagger your costs over time and allow you to enjoy what you have now while building for the future. It’s what I’ve done over the years, adding a new piece here or there or improving something as the technology changes.

As ever, thanks for the encouragement, Tom.

Is the MAC 4300V in your signature designed for use as an independent stereo amplifier?

We presently use our Mac 4200 as an independent amp to drive our B&W 805Ns; hence, the question.

[W9TR]

Yes. The MAC 4300V can be used as a stereo amplifier.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by piolaxo

Since you're worried about the longevity of the 10X models, you could look for a
UDP-203 if you don't care about streaming.

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

Or ripping SACDs.

If you use the analog outputs, the 205 has superior DAC implementation and output stages. It is also physically larger and heavier.

Kal..... If you ever read this...I was wondering if you have any thoughts on the Oppo 203 versus the Oppo 105D. If you do, please take a look at the thread I started, earlier today, and add your thoughts. It's on AAF's "The Lounge" board and it's entitled: Oppo Fans - Any thoughts on the 203 vs the 105D? Hope to [read] you there.

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

Kal..... If you ever read this...I was wondering if you have any thoughts on the Oppo 203 versus the Oppo 105D.

I've never had a 203; I have 103, 105 and 205 but, to be frank, I haven't played a disc on any of them for a long time.

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

I've never had a 203; I have 103, 105 and 205 but, to be frank, I haven't played a disc on any of them for a long time.

Thanks, Kal. Did you ever do any A to B comparison(s) of the sound you get via your Oppo players?

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by 70sMac

Thanks, Kal. Did you ever do any A to B comparison(s) of the sound you get via your Oppo players?

Best I can do at this point:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-60
https://www.stereophile.com/content/...7-oppo-udp-205

[70sMac]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

Best I can do at this point:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-60
https://www.stereophile.com/content/...7-oppo-udp-205

Thank you, sir. I will give those write-ups a ganders as soon as I can.

[Dilettante]

Bill,

Out of all Oppo universal disc players, the 205 is the best, best sound quality when using analog audio out (XLR stereo) as well as over HDMI out when connected via a dedicated audio only HDMI out of the 205.