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In Reply to: Re: Cheap external DAC for DVD player posted by mjcmt on February 24, 2007 at 06:40:31:
If you use a DAC just run the coax fron player to dac then rca's to pre. If you are all so using DVD to TV run the vidio signal to the TV. Audio will still run thru the dac into the pre. If you get the HD 970 you can pass on the DAC, run audio to pre, vidio to TV.
Follow Ups:
Sunseeker,I gather that you are saying that a stand alone 970 has excellent video and audio performance.
Is the stand alone audio performance good for CD playback or would a DAC be advisable for this?
With Regards,
Mike
As sunseeker said, that is one option you can do with your Panasonic. I do that with my Oppo 970 connected to a Channel Islands Audio DAC. As long as you don't run hi-rez recordings through the DAC, standard CD and DVD audio tracks will get the DAC treatment. Since you are running separates, another option you may want to try is adding a tube buffer between your pre and power amp. I use both a Musical Fidelity X-10v3 and Yaqin tube buffer. Both add warmth, detail, clarity and fullness to the sound in my system. Having it between your pre and power amp, all source components receive the tube buffer treatment and it will work on hi-rez recordings! If you go with the Yaqin, it will be slightly more expensive than buying an Oppo 970. If you decide it go with the Oppo, it probably would sound better than your current DVD player but probably the greatest benefit you will realize with the Oppo is with it's picture quality. And in order to increase the 2 channel performance on the Oppo, I found that you had to spend at least $500 retail on a DAC in order to improve the sound of the Oppo.
Slbenz,So are you saying that the 970 has very good DVD picture and sound?
If I want to make it a very good CDP as well as DVD then I need to invest in a very good DAC in the $500+ range.
At what level of performance compared to a stand alone CDP will the 970/DAC combo compare to?
With Regards,
Mike
Mike,Definitely the Oppo has a great picture. Secrets of Home Theater and Hi-Fi did an evaluation on the 970 and gave it an 86. My previous DVD player, a modded Pioneer 563a scored a 61. These scores only compared their 480p resolution. Upscaling to 1080i on the Oppo makes the video very film-like on my Mitsubishi 52" DLP. In regards to 2-channel performance using a good DAC on board, I would say the combination could easily compare with stand-alone units in the $2000-$3000 range or more. But because I have the Musical Fidelity tube buffer in place, Musical Fidelity says that the Oppo should sound similar to their $6500 player. I think my CIA/MF combo exceeds their $6500 player. A number of people on the net already likes the stock performance of the Oppo but I wanted to take it much further without going back to a full blown modification like I did with the Pioneer. Having a good DAC and the tube buffers on board gives me great flexibility and I can use it with my Sony mega CD changer or in your case, increase the level of both 2-channel CD/DVD performance. Hope I was able to answer your questions.
This sound really good for me, the best of both DVD and CD worlds, and at a really great price. It is good for me on a strict budget. I will be getting the 970. Thanks so much.I understand the new 981 is even better on picture. But know one is talking about it's audio. Any comments?
One last clarification please. If MF says the 970 with their tube buffer competes with their high priced CDPs, isn't this self defeating for them?
With Regards,
Mike
Mike,After having spoken with the people at Oppo, the 981 is geared for better video over the 970 since it uses the same design as their 971 which rated a 98 as is the highest scoring player for video. That said, the 970 is geared for better sound over the 981 according to Oppo. I believe the 970 uses the same chipset found in the Cambridge Azur 540 but I could be wrong. In regards to your question about MF, yes you are correct. That is probably why they no longer make the MF X10v3. You can find them on sale at Music Direct for $299 until their stock runs out. But the Yaqin can be found at Pacific Valve for only $175 and with an inexpensive tube switch to a 6DJ8, it will sound better than the MF. Going the tube buffer route, the 970 will sound very nice and you will have the benefit of tubes for CD, DVD and hi-rez playback in your 2-channel system. Having a good DAC on board will take the sound even further for CDs and DVDs but will not work for hi-rez SACDs and DVD-As. I do prefer the CD sound going through my CIA DAC/tube buffer vs. using the Oppo 970 in hi-rez/tube buffer for the same recording in 2-channel. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these components. Each provides a 30-day trial period with a no questions asked policy. Start with the Oppo then add the tube buffer and see what you think. The tube buffer adds quite a bit to 2-channel, especially for DVDs. And if it is still not enough, then I would add on a good DAC if I had to do it all over again. Hope this information helps you and good luck with your quest for better sound.
I just ordered the 970HD. I can't wait to get it. After I get used to its sound I will be looking for a tubed DAC or tube buffer. Thanx for your help. The only thing that is a little bothersome is its light build quality. I hope I can live with that issue.
Funny, I used to have a seperate cdp and dvd, but I think dvd/universals digital technology is the future. That is what got me started on this external DAC for a dvd player kick. I will see how it compares (from memory) to my 4 year old Cary CD308 (now gone). It wont be a truely accurate comparison, but I should be able to tell general sound differences.I'm sure over the next years dvd player will really improve. This is just a starting point.
Again, thanks for your help. I will report back on its sound.
With Regards,
Mike
Mike,You are right about the light build quality but luckily, I haven't had any problems since I bought mine last August. Another suggestion you might want to do is change out the stock power cord with something better. This will add bass and fullness to the sound of the Oppo but a tube DAC or tube buffer will do this even better. At least Oppo is very good about their 30-day return policy should you not like the Oppo. Would be interesting to hear your report on the Oppo. You should be receiving your unit pretty soon since Oppo uses FedEx Ground for shipping. Enjoy the Oppo and have fun experimenting when it arrives!
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