Universal player or DAC?


Hi,

I have a 2003-era Music Hall CD25. It has digital outputs, so I am considering adding a Schiit Bifrost Uber, or replacing the CDP with an Oppo BDP-103. Will the Oppo make enough of a difference in redbook CD playback, or is a dedicated DAC such as Schiit or a used Benchmark a better option? Of course, there is the added bonus of video and SACD playback with the Oppo.

I have a large collection of CDs and vinyl, and I don't plan on doing a music server thing just yet. Give me inconvenience or give me death!

Thanks,

paul
paulburnett

Showing 1 response by elevick

I've got both. The Schiit is a little more crisp. The Oppo is smooth and neutral. The schiit needs a source with digital out. The oppo needs nothing, streams, connects to a network and has a great remote. The schiit has no volume or switching. The oppo has volume, inputs, outputs and plays almost anything.
With that stated, I got rid of my 103 and bought a 105 and am delighted at home. The schiit is at work and runs pc audio all day long. Yes, I have a Music Hall running to the schiit too but rarely use it. PC audio is better.
Next move is to upgrade the bifrost to the gungnir. Then I will compare that to the 105...never ending circle of upgrades.