Sorry to ask this SACD question, but

curiousjim,

It has been a while so I got a bit confused.

Your original post links to Yamaha and Denon, but we are trying to fix Oppo. It might have gotten added along the way as you already have it.

We are all talking about analog RCA outputs playing converted SACD/DSD but one of your posts implies that you are also interested in digital SACD output...

"RCA and Optical can’t handle the amount of info and I’m not sure about Balanced. It looks like USB will work but there are only a few SACD players in my price range that have USB outputs."

In original post you are asking about playing SACD through an outboard DAC for which would be logical to be interested in digital SACD output.

Could you rephrase/clarify your intentions (models included) so we can try to rephrase/clarify answers? If it is many of them, we will dissect each separately. Right now, it is way too tangled.

curiousjim,


In essence, in your original post you seem not to be interested in playing SACD through an outboard DAC in its native DSD(ISO) form but converted to PCM. Is it because the Schiit DAC you mentioned cannot play DSD, but does play 176.4 PCM files?

To answer the end question from your original post,

"What else do I need to play SACD at 176.4khz "

You would need:

-SACD

-appropriate SACD player (that gets very specific and, surprise, cheap)

-modem

-computer

-program for conversion from DSD to PCM (dbPoweramp, for example, although I do not think it will get you to 176.4, Korg Audiogate may but I would need to check it)

-cable for connecting computer (file player) and DAC

At that point, you will not be spinning actual SACDs anymore, but files of some sort from a hard drive of some sort.

I recently contacted Oppo as I want to compare the SACD hybrid layer on my 195. Apparently it cannot be done, or it might, IF connected to a monitor where I can switch settings. Even it that works it would mean keeping the monitor connected

And since the 105 is currently my only source it auto selects SACD only, but via the analog outs, which in my case is XLRs

I also have a dac pre connected via Optical and coax, but the hybrid layer will not play through them

Odd, but true

So last night I hooked a Sony to a smart tv with HTMI and Optical out to a receiver. I played the SACD stereo layer.  I hooked up the Oppo the same way and it also played the SACD stereo layer.
Than I did something I hadn’t tried before, I plugged in a Toslink and a digital RCA into the Oppo and removed the HDMI, and plugged in the Analog RCA’s back in.  Both the Toslink and the Digital RCA were plugged into other devices and are working as they should.   IT WORKED!  I was able to listen to the SACD stereo layer form the Analog RCA’s! Than I went to bed, confused but happy.

Later today I’m going to unplug the Toslink and then the Digital RCA and see what happens.

I need coffee...

JD

Glad to hear success Jim!

I think what is happening is that even with HDMI turned off in the menu, if the OPPO sees one actually connected( even on the video side) it takes over as priority.

Good move!