[EDS_]

The Oppo is in our video/second sound system. The Oppo's video up conversion to 1080i yields a really nice pq for the price ~$149.

While using the Oppo's analog outs-I've disabled the center channel and the sub-output. The yield is that I can listen to CD, DVD-A and SACD in 4.2. That is FL and FR with a sub for each channel from my Cary SLI-80's sub outputs. And two rear channels.

The problem is the Oppo's analog output sounds thin and flat.

Three thoughts......
1. Assuming I want to maintain SACD and DVD-A capability and their required analog out only arrangement; does anyone make an ADA (analog to digital to analog) or an analog "enhancement" of some type that actually works?   

2. If I use the digital  output, ditching DVD-A and SACD-which would not kill me-does anyone make a 4-channel DAC that might work?

3. Or should I nut-up and buy a Denon 3930ci or 3910?

[Levi]

Obviously, the Oppo cannot give you all the performance you are looking for without modding it.  I have an OPPO and love it for it's movie watching pleasure.  I would choose option 4. 

Option 4 is to use the Oppo for video only and it's coax output directly to a processor to decode DD/DTS movies.

If you like to have an awesome sounding DVD-A or SACD, I would look for something else other than the OPPO.  You can however, get it modified and that is all up to you.

[EDS_]

Levi,

Thanks for the input. I have precious little room for my second system.


Can you direct me to a business that mods. the Oppo?

Thanks for your reply.

[Levi]

Absolutely, The Boulder Company.  Ask for Wayne.

They are actually one of the member companies here.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=20783.0

[EDS_]

D'oh! I've actually spoken with Wayne in the past. Our respective sons are ice hockey players.

I'll contact Wayne today.


Thank you-

[TIC]

Here's another Oppo mod'r. They are a respectable firm, as is Wayne at Bolder. BTW, Interstingly it is BOLDER, not Boulder, even though Wayne is in Colorado (maybe even Boulder).

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1170790430

http://www.referenceaudiomods.com/

Enjoy,

TIC

[JLM]

Personally wouldn't put serious money into a $150 player.  The Oppo seems like a really good product, in fact great for the price.  But on general principles am opposed to investing big money modding an inexpensively built product. 

Better to buy a good DAC that isn't dependent on moving parts (should last longer) and allow both components to be swapped out separately.  With super DAC's, like the Altman Attraction out there for the price of some mods (and noting that it is supposed to perform very well regardless of transport jitter), I'd run to that before putting lots in the Oppo.

[slbenz]

I own an Oppo Digital DV-970HD that is connected to a Channel Islands Audio VDA-2 and VAC-1 combo to take care of Redbook CDs.  The single chip design in the Oppo doesn't lend itself for great improvement in Redbook until I went with a higher quality DAC like the CI Audio combo.  I tried various inexpensive domestic and foreign DACs and didn't hear any improvement in sound until I auditioned the CI Audio combo and Benchmark DAC1.  In order to increase the performance of the Oppo for SACD and DVD-A discs, I used a pair of tube buffers.  A Musical Fidelity x-10v3 for the front mains, and a recently purchased Yaqin for the rear surrounds.  The tube buffers really opened up the sound and added warmth to the Oppo.  As big a fan I am with the MF, I have to say the Yaqin is just as impressive and cost far less than the MF and has the capability of tube rolling and changing out AC cords for better sound.  If you have the room, I would go with two Yaqin tube buffers.  If you have separates like I do, you can connect them between your preamp and power amp so that all sources, including your tuner will benefit from the tube buffers.  It will be far less costly than a full modification and the overall build quality is on the lightweight side.  Here is a link to the Yaqin tube buffer if your interested:  http://www.pacificvalve.us/YaqinTB.html

Slbenz

[JLM]

Slbenz,

Being a Channel Islands Audio owner, would like to know more about how well the VDA-2/VAC-1/Oppo 970 combo stacks up against other $900 price range options.  I'd like nothing better than to stay with CIA stuff and a cheap transport until PC based audio gets friendly enough for even dummies like me (tried a Squeeze Box, but had too many PC/network problems come up that I struggled with).

Would also like clarification as to the need/benefits of tube buffer with VDA/970 for redbook playback as this applies to a 2-channel audio only system.  If beneficial, would it make more sense to go simply with a tube pre-amp versus VPC-3 passive pre, tube buffer, and extra interconnects?  (Would rather stay with a simplier/purist approach, like Dusty.)

Thanks

[slbenz]

Slbenz,

Being a Channel Islands Audio owner, would like to know more about how well the VDA-2/VAC-1/Oppo 970 combo stacks up against other $900 price range options.  I'd like nothing better than to stay with CIA stuff and a cheap transport until PC based audio gets friendly enough for even dummies like me (tried a Squeeze Box, but had too many PC/network problems come up that I struggled with).

Would also like clarification as to the need/benefits of tube buffer with VDA/970 for redbook playback as this applies to a 2-channel audio only system.  If beneficial, would it make more sense to go simply with a tube pre-amp versus VPC-3 passive pre, tube buffer, and extra interconnects?  (Would rather stay with a simplier/purist approach, like Dusty.)

Thanks

Definitely the VDA-2/VAC-1 combo with the Oppo 970 really makes the Oppo sing.  The VDA-2/VAC-1 combo is much better than the Benchmark DAC1 that I compared it to.  Even the VDA-2 by itself would give the Benchmark DAC 1 a run for it's money.  Especially now that Dusty upgraded my DAC.  It was one of the older ones that qualified for the free upgrade.  Check out my Epinions review on the VDA-2 comparing it to several different DACs and price points: http://www.epinions.com/content_256272928388.  Certainly, a tube pre-amp is the way to go for the simplier approach.  But for me having both the Musical Fidelity and Yaqin tube buffers, either one is the least expensive approach to higher quality sound.  I felt the same that having "another" component in the chain would degrade the sound but having much more time and experience with both tube buffers in place, they both add much more to the overall presentation.  I also did a review on the Yaqin tube buffer in Epinions that discusses the advantages as well.  Even with my newly upgraded VDA-2, the tube buffers just add that more warmth, detail and dynamics on top of the VDA-2 which is a great product indeed.  Hope I was able to answer your questions.