[drphoto]

Hi all. I'm not into multichannel HT, nor do I even own a fancy flat panel or projector TV. I've still got my trusty Sony XBR 32" Trinitron.

But I do  enjoy concert videos. I'm currently running a cheap Samsung (not even sure of the model) DVD w/ the audio out via optical to the DAC of my 2 channel rig. I can live w/ it, but is there something that would sound better via an outboard DAC?

Again, I don't need high rez video, multichannel sound or anything else, just a nice sounding DVD transport. Dirt cheap would be a bonus plus!

[maxwalrath]

I asked the same question a while back and was steered towards the Oppo line.  When I called Oppo they advised me that their cheapest DVD player had the best audio quality.  I bought one a while ago and think it sounds pretty good...great for the price...but I haven't compared it to any other player yet.

[drphoto]

Thanks for the reply. Hey, didn't you buy my Ah! CD player a long time ago?

I was wondering if Oppo would be the answer. From the very little I know about video, or HT they seem to have a good following. And fits the cheap bill too.

[roscoeiii]

I've been extremely pleased with my Oppo. Since many people are upgrading to Oppo's extremely well reviewed new BluRay player ($499), you shouldn't have a problem getting a good deal on a their DVD player. From my research, the $169 DVD player DV-980H seems to be considered tops for audio quality for it's DVD players (not incl. the BluRay machine). Even heard this opinion from Oppo's own tech support line. the 980H was a nice step up from the 970 I had previously.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Ditto the Oppo.
Admittedly, I've not heard one (I tried, but the HDMI/HDCP wouldn't work). But I've read too many positive reviews of the audio quality to discount it. Which model? Not sure personally.

Although, if you REALLY want cheap, you could try the PS1 (specifically models #1001). Those can be had for about $25 used. No modifications necessary. Most likely a dozen of those could be found within a few miles of your house at charity stores, used gaming stores or Ebay.
You can't beat the price. I've heard quite a few fellas rave about the sound quality.
Twenty five bucks man....You can't beat that.

Bob

p.s. The extra bonus is that if kids come over, they'll have something to entertain them.

[Atlplasma]

I've had an Oppo 980 for over a year and have been very pleased with the sound quality--plus it plays SACD and DVD-A as well.

[srb]

I'm currently running a cheap Samsung (not even sure of the model) DVD w/ the audio out via optical to the DAC of my 2 channel rig. I can live w/ it, but is there something that would sound better via an outboard DAC?

I asked the same question a while back and was steered towards the Oppo line. When I called Oppo they advised me that their cheapest DVD player had the best audio quality.

From my research, the $169 DVD player DV-980H seems to be considered tops for audio quality for it's DVD players (not incl. the BluRay machine). Even heard this opinion from Oppo's own tech support line.

I think most of the talk about the good audio quality of the Oppo, for the price, is focusing on the analog output.  Since you wanted to use it as a transport into your DAC, while it may have a little less jitter at the digital output, it is possible that you may not hear the improvement you are seeking over your current player (transport).
 
Steve

[drphoto]

srb. I certainly have no problem running the analog out, if that's the way it would work best. I'm only doing optical out into my DAC w/ the Samsung, because it's considerably better than the analog. I was just assuming the analog output of any fairly inexpensive player would be pretty lame.

I'm definitely gonna look into that PS1 thing Bob. Cheap is good as I'm suddenly gonna be buying a new DAC, and maybe a new preamp. Oh well, I keep justifying all this by the fact I work 3 jobs and basically do nothing else for fun anymore.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I'm definitely gonna look into that PS1 thing Bob.

Ok, the good one's have something like "1001" in the model or serial number.
I'll do some checking tomorrow and let you know. Can't recall right now.
By the way, the only thing that's half stupid about using one, is that you've got to use the controller as opposed to front panel buttons or "regular" remote buttons.

Bob

[drphoto]

Well, if it makes my Peter Gabriel "Growing Up" video sound good for $25, I don't care if I have to stand on my head and whistle "Dixie" first.


A bit off the topic...I dunno if you guys like PG or not, but this might be one of the coolest concerts I've ever seen. Fabulous staging and lighting and the music.....I almost get weepy when the Blind Boys of Alabama do their bit. And I thought his previous concert video (secret world) was good.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I wanna see a video of you doing that. 

Ok, "tomorrow" came early.
Here's a couple things to get you started.

Yes, it IS the model number 1001 that's the cool one (picture of spec tag below).
The last digit signifies what the country of origin is, "1" is for USA. If it says 1002, it won't plug in your wall.

And of course, what would an audio component be without some mods.
> HERE < is (one of many) mod sites.

I did a quick search on Ebay using "ps1 1001" as the criteria. Found several, all about the $40 range. Apparently, now they're being sold as "rare and hard to find". 
But > HERE < is one for $35 with shipping.

Hope that helps Doc. 

[drphoto]

cool. thanks (again Bob). all that mod stuff makes my head spin a bit, which might interfere w/ my upside down rendition of 'dixie'. I let you know when I post my 'youtube' video! (yeah....right)

There's a whole 'upside down' connection to the afore mentioned PG video, but you have to see it......

BTW: the guy live just over the river in S. Indy. so I might be able to just meet him and score it for the target price of $25. How sweet is that? I keep saying it, but this place rocks!!!!!!