Non Oppo recc

[ErnieM]

My Oppo 93 got fried by a lightning strike. I can't afford the $500+ to replace it. So, what do you recommend that will cost less than $150 that will play bluray, SACD, and FLAC files? Thanks.

 

[markw]

Finding something with analog audio outputs will be a difficult task. If you can forgo that, which means no SACD, Sony offers some pretty good bargain priced players. Dunno about FLAC, though.

 

[Ponzio]

Teac cd-p650

the TEAC CD-P650 would be my recommendation, at your budget. you can read this thread with my impressions of the unit and the why's I chose it. I was so impressed that I picked up a 2nd unit for my garage.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/amps-pre-pros-receivers/89242-does-2-1-micro-component-exist.html

 

[ErnieM]

Thanks Ponzio. However, it seems the TEAC is only for music - i.e., it doesn't play DVDs or Blurays. What do you or anyone else think of the Sony BDP-S5100 ? It is less than $100 and claims to play SACD, FLACC. But is the claim to play SACD really invalidated by the lack of analog outs? It only has HDMI and coax outputs.

 

[markw]

I've got two Sony BDP's (S 580 & S 390) and I love 'em both, but I might be a bit biased here. Anyhow, I BELIEVE it plays SACD through the HDMI output, not in an analog output format like the Oppo does. Again, I don't do FLAC.

I have a separate (almost - no BD) universal player (Denon 1940CI) for my SACD needs.

 

[TheWarrior]

Curious, would homeowners/renters insurance cover that?

 

[Ponzio]

What do you or anyone else think of the Sony BDP-S5100 ? It is less than $100 and claims to play SACD, FLACC. But is the claim to play SACD really invalidated by the lack of analog outs? It only has HDMI and coax outputs.

I don't think it invalidates the ability to play SACD discs at all but I would think that there is a limitation on what the maximum frequency range an HDMI cable can pass thru and don't forget the importance of the DAC chip, which plays a large part in the sound quality. Those are the 2 money question's. I would post another thread, asking our resident experts, about what are the audio limitations of an HDMI cable and the HDMI cable version. Sorry I couldn't be of much help in that department but we've got some bright folks here who can help you get to the bottom of this. Good luck.

Regarding which brand is a personal choice. I used to be a Sony guy but switched over to Panasonic the last 10 years because of reliability and features. I made a quantum jump 2 years ago and got a Oppo BDP-105 and glad I did. Personally if I was in your shoes I would do the same thing until I could afford an Oppo again.

 

[j_garcia]

Used Oppo?

 

[Ponzio]

Used Oppo?

I'm afraid to ask?

 

[j_garcia]

I'm afraid to ask?

LOL, no, no plans of selling my 105 yet

 

[ErnieM]

I don't really need the streaming features of the Sony as I have a Roku 3, purchased right away after the Oppo's untimely demise :-(

I think that for my needs and desires, I'd prefer to put my money into speaker upgrades rather than going for another Oppo. But I am certainly open to hearing others' views.

 

[markw]

We'll keep looking but finding something with that SACD via analog out is petty much a deal breaker. Heck, ANY analog outs are pretty scarce anymore

 

[ErnieM]

What if I drop the SACD element? Still thinking in the $150 or lower range.

 

[Ponzio]

What if I drop the SACD element? Still thinking in the $150 or lower range.

seems kind-a self defeating, especially if you have SACD disks. research the specs, compare and edumcate yourself. start with Amazon reviews and work it out from there.

 

[markw]

I'd still say Sony. I've had (have) two great Sony's but I got burned real bad on a Panny. The third one the factory sent me still didn't work right.

 

[Ponzio]

I'd still say Sony. I've had (have) two great Sony's but I got burned real bad on a Panny. The third one the factory sent me still didn't work right.

must've of been a bad batch of sake they had that Sunday night before they started the work week.

 

[j_garcia]

Sonys are fine, but you're giving up DVD-A then. If you have SACD only, then you're OK. Panasonics are fine too, and for Blu-ray, I actually prefer them.

 

[Ponzio]

fact ... I have 3, well 4 really if I include the Oppo; a Panasonic, Sony & Samsung Blu-ray/DVD/CD players and the Panasonic bests the other 3. they were all purchased around the same time 4 years ago. mind you these are $110 to $140 players, nothing to write home to mother about but for this thread they're very apropos. stay away from the Samsung, a thoroughly frustrating piece of shite. the Sony is a good little unit and the most expensive of the 3 but I feel the Panasonic has better sound/video of the 3 and has a USB connection to boot which the other 2 don't. just sayin'

 

[ErnieM]

Ponzio, are you referencing the Panasonic DMP-BDT330 or DMP-BDT500 unit, or something else?

 

[Ponzio]

neither, it's the Panasonic DMP-BD65. I believe it's out of production now.