2. digital
  3. 1250387389

Oppo 83 transport and DAC

I love LPs, but have listened to more SACDs and CDs in the last few years (mostly international folk songs and music). Getting OPPO 83 for Blu-ray recently, I don't know how I can max out Oppo audio quality to my MFA Magus Pre-amp and Sun Audio 2A3 power amp, and Lowther's speakers (set up purposely for my Teres turntable and Shelter's cartridge). I heard that the OPPO 83's weakest link is its DAC, so I wonder what DACs will work with the 83's transport well to give me the midrange and extended bass I am used to. I do not want to spend $5K DAC that will not help the 83's transport. So, Question 1: Anyone knows how good the 83's transport is? Question 2: Which DAC will work for my 83's? MSB Link III, Musical Fidelity A3 (24), MHdT Havana or Paradisea, CAL Sigma, Benchmark, TUDAC, PS audio, Cambridge Audio? Help! thanks
ykk
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Any of the DACs you listed should work fine with the Oppo. Each will sound slightly different as they are all different designs. You might do some research in the archives on DACs as there are many threads on the subject. I use an Oppo 983H as a transport and it does a fine job, though I'm sure there are superior transports. If your DAC is one that addresses jitter, or if you put a dejitter device, like Empirical's Pacecar, between your Oppo and DAC, you should be cooking with gas. Of those you listed, I've only heard four. Of those my favorite is the Havana. The Cal Sigma is a bit long in the tooth. The Benchmark is a perennial darling, but I've never warmed up to it myself. It does claim to address jitter very effectively though, and I have heard it sounding better than I could get it to sound, at various shows. A few more for your short list: Bel Canto DAC3, April Music Stello, Red Wine Audio Isabellina, Modwright Transporter (also a wireless server). A good DAC would almost certainly improve on the Oppo analog output, which is reportedly just very good, but not as good as it gets (as is that on my 983H). You should probably establish a target budget and do your research from there. Plenty of good choices out there to choose from. Good luck.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Take a look at the Citypulse 7.2X ($469).I use this unit with a 981 and a Z-Systems RDP-1,with good results.
abrahavt
101 posts
 
There is nothing wrong with the DACS in the OPPO. What lets it down is the Analog section. Get the Analog section modded by one of the modders out there and you will have a superb player. No need for an external DAC.
mooglie
101 posts
 
I really like the CIA VDA-2. It's a great little DAC. It will also handle high bit rate PCM (up to 24 bit, 192 kHz). CIA offers a trial period (30 days,less 10%).

FYI, there are a number of Blu-Ray music discs featuring hi-rez sound. Chris Botti is great in 24 bit, 2 ch.,PCM! With a separate DAC for 2 channel listening you're free to use multiple sources (cable TV, etc.).

I already had one Blu-Ray player die after two years use. I picked up a JVC (great player!) for $250. If I had sunk alot of money in one player, and had it to die, I would have been peeved. That's just my view on the subject.

Of course, if you listen to alot of SACD, or prefer one-box, you might want to upgrade your unit. The analog section is probably the weakest link.

Modwright does some nice work and is offering various upgrades to your unit.
More to discover