To So There:
I see you have an OPPO BDP105 and the BDA-2. Do you have the 105 connected to the BDA-2? I also have a BDP105 but I am looking for even more DAC performance and I'm toying with the idea of possibly improving the sound with the BDA-2. Any input on that? How would one connect the BDP 105 to the BDA-2?
One more thing....Have you compared the SP3's dac to the Oppo's? I am trying to decide my next option. I am currently running the old Bryston 1.7 in bypass mode for everything, using the dacs in my oppo and cambridge audio cd players....
Thanks in advance, Pete
Thanks for your query, Pete. I have the HDMI 2 (audio) output of the 105 connected to the HDMI 1 input of my SP3, thus using the SP3's DAC. The HDMI 1 (video) output of the 105 is connected directly to our Pioneer Elite TV. I did this for two reasons. First, the Oppo's coax and optical cannot (by copyright and bandwidth restrictions) pass SACD and DVD-A signals. Second, as far as Red Book CDs, I'm waiting for Bryston's BOT-1 optical transport.
You could send the coax or optical outs of the 105 to the BDA-2, as it has inputs for each, and I would think you'd find an improvement in the sound. You've piqued my interest, and I'll have to give this a try. After all, it only involves getting one cable.
FWIW, just for fun, I ran Bryston cables from the balanced outputs of the 105 to the Balanced-1 XLR inputs of the SP3. I also have Bryston cables from the balanced outputs of the BDA-2 to the Balanced-2 XLR inputs of the SP3, to play hi-res music from the BDP-2. Through the BDP/BDA combo, the sound is substantially better (even with a ripped CD at the same resolution), as one would expect.
Cheerio,
Rich
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Whiney Napa Valley