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SACD Player vs SACD Transport to use the D. Bob a/k/a Digital Breakout Box

Seeking the ability to hear the DSD layer of an SACD.  The current standard is PCM.  I have read that there is a legal invention called the Digital Break Out Box which allows the user to hear but not copy the DSD layer. Only interested in listening, not copying.  It is called the D. Bob and the seller sells same at geerfab.com. My reading says if you wish to use a SACD transport and hear the DSD layer and you wish to connect to an external DAC then the transport must have an HDMI out. Do any SACD transports have this HDMI.  Thought HDMI was only for televisions and not high end audio. I f I purchase a SACD player, do I still need the Geer Fab Box in order to hear the DSD layer of the SACD. In short, will I need the box in all cases? IF I am incorrect about any of my assertions, would welcome any constructive criticism.

 

kjl1065
big_greg
6,821 posts
 

I already play my SACD's with a Sony UBP-X700 Blu Ray player connected via HDMI to my Denon X4300 AVR. Considering buying the D.Bob to use with my Denafrips DAC. I'm still trying to figure out if I'll hear much/any improvement. 

You may not hear much difference with an AVR. 

 

benzman's avatar
benzman
446 posts
 

I use my Oppo 103 over HDMI into a T+A Dac 200.Works perfect. Would definitely try to avoid the BOB. Just another box and set of cords you really don’t need. Unless you are going to go with a high quality SACD transport all these universal players are just for convenience. The Sq will not be a big jump till you experience a high quality transport. 
I auditioned a Teac 701 T  Redbook transport and it’s a toss up vs the Oppo playing the SACD layer.  
Would look at the Shanling Onix but not sure it would be compatible with the HDMI card of the T+A. 

yyzsantabarbara
5,585 posts
 

Some people need a D.BOB if they do not have HDMI input in their DAC.

BTW - I sold a tuner a few days ago and the guy buying it has a Bryston BDA-3 that he wants to sell. It is one of the few DACs with HDMI input. 

 

yyzsantabarbara
5,585 posts
 

I got this email respone from the guy who makes the D.BOB regarding compatibility. The D-1 is the new Imersiv DAC that I own.

 

The D-1 accepts DoP only through the USB input. I did not incorporate USB, as it disables HDCP which is not the way to launch a new product. The D-1 also converts DoP to 24/92, which to me is a degradation of DSD. It’s one thing to record at 24/192 and then transfer to DSD, not the other way around.

The Allnic should work, as its website says: “S/PDIF Input  PCM up to 32bit/192kHz, DoP up to DSD128

AI says: Yes, the Playback Designs MPD-8 DAC supports DSD over Coaxial (DoP). My website needs updating.

yyzsantabarbara
5,585 posts
 

I just learned about the Briscasti m19 SACD transport. I will get to hear in on January 10th with I hope my Imversiv D-1 DAC and a couple of other great DACs.

Bricasti Design

It seems to me that the m19 can do what the D.BOB can do. That is DSD over DoP via SPDIF. Not 100% sure but the Bricasti rep is bringing it to a meet in the 10th.

I am taking some SACDs to test it out. I have failed getting the D.BOB to work with the Imersiv DAC. Giving up on that for a while.

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