SACD/CD Player Advice needed

[BrianW]

I've been using a lower/mid end Marantz player for most of my bedroom listening (with headphones connected to an HP Amp).

Since I just got the Senny HD650's I've got the upgraditis bug again.
I pulled out my old Sony BDP-S580 BD Player and was surprised how much better it sounded in my set-up with CDs.

So now it has me thinking about getting the Sony BDP-S5100 because the USB will play my preferred FLAC music. (S580 won't)
Since my S580 is an older model will the S5100 out perform despite it being less expensive since it's newer?
I'm ONLY concerned about CD/SACD playback as this will only be connected to my Headphone Amp.
How would I find out if the DACS are different on each player and if one is better?
Sony's online help chat is pretty much useless.

 

[markw]

Are you aware the 5100 has no analog audio output? Most DVD/Blu-Ray players made nowadays don't.

 

[Seth=L]

Are you aware the 5100 has no analog audio output? Most DVD/Blu-Ray players made nowadays don't.

Correct, OP will need a receiver or pre/pro that supports DSD bitstream over HDMI in order to get the benefit of SACD.

 

[BrianW]

Are you aware the 5100 has no analog audio output? Most DVD/Blu-Ray players made nowadays don't.

Oops!
That settles THAT!

Thanks, guys.

 

[BrianW]

OK...new question.
Since I only have a few SACDS but a lot of 24 bit Flac files on my PC is there a cheap (under $150.00) player that will sound great with CDs AND play those 24 bit Flac files through the USB port?
An LG and Samsung model are getting great reviews for around $100.00 but they never mention the Audio performance (I better check to see if THEY have RCA outputs)

I know I'm asking a lot

 

[afterlife2]

Get the Oppo 980H on eBay they go for $100-150 used. They play sacd and flac files. Does not play Blu-ray only dvd, Cd and sacd plus most files via usb. I own one and love it.

 

[BrianW]

Get the Oppo 980H on eBay they go for $100-150 used. They play sacd and flac files. Does not play Blu-ray only dvd, Cd and sacd plus most files via usb. I own one and love it.

Cheers!
I'll definitely look into this.

 

[BrianW]

OK,
I just read this at What Hi Fi?...
it's the musical ability that sets this player apart. Like most machines of this kind it's merely adequate when playing CDs out through its analogue sockets; but it really shines when hooked up to a DSD-capable receiver and loaded with some good SACDs.
Read more at http://www.whathifi.com/oppo/dv-980h/review#Yu6EEDCrM5XcjUz5.99

I need something with better Analog (DAC) performance.

 

[afterlife2]

Oppo 83 has a dac special edition but it's over $350 and up used.

 

[PENG]

Since you already own the 580, why not just keep the old 580 for SACD, CD, BR and get something else to play your favorite FLAC files on USB and streaming?

 

[BrianW]

Since you already own the 580, why not just keep the old 580 for SACD, CD, BR and get something else to play your favorite FLAC files on USB and streaming?

Thanks, but I still need a player with a quality DAC, no?

 

[markw]

Thanks, but I still need a player with a quality DAC, no?

I think you're putting too much weight on what others think and not enough in your ears and the skills of modern engineering.

 

[BrianW]

I think you're putting too much weight on what others think and not enough in your ears and the skills of modern engineering.

I don't understand this post.
I'm just looking for some opinions from a site dedicated to great sound.
My original question about the newer Sony because I know that technology (modern engineering) improves and becomes cheaper over time.
In the end whatever is recommended will be judged by me when in use and returned if not satisfactory.

 

[markw]

Well then, good luck to you.

 

[PENG]

Thanks, but I still need a player with a quality DAC, no?

Not if you have a good avr. The 580 can do DSD over HDMI. The new 5000 series Sony bdp are not SACD/DSD capable. Seriously, keep the 580. I have an oppo but am keeping my 380 and bx59 (590).

 

[BrianW]

Well then, good luck to you.

Thanks.

 

[BrianW]

Not if you have a good avr. The 580 can do DSD over HDMI. The new 5000 series Sony bdp are not SACD/DSD capable. Seriously, keep the 580. I have an oppo but am keeping my 380 and bx59 (590).

Yes, that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Thanks to everyone who replied.

 

[markw]

One last bit of information for you on SACD to amplify what Peng said. I also have a 580. If you check page 22 of the .pdf owners manual, under "Audio Settings", you'll notice that SACD is passed out only via HDMI. So, what you get from the red/white analog outputs is the redbook CD audio, not SACD.

 

[BrianW]

One last bit of information for you on SACD to amplify what Peng said. I also have a 580. If you check page 22 of the .pdf owners manual, under "Audio Settings", you'll notice that SACD is passed out only via HDMI. So, what you get from the red/white analog outputs is the redbook CD audio, not SACD.

Holy Crap!
I did NOT know that!
So I guess if I put a 24 bit file on a USB stick the player won't put out 24 bit music with the RCA's as well...yes?
If so THIS changes everything.
Should I find a DAC that has a HDMI input that doesn't down convert the SACDS/files to get the most out of my HD music?

Thanks for the important heads up!

 

[markw]

Dunno what to tell ya. guy. I just know what I know.

And, SACD CD's don't downconvert. They generally are dual layer discs, one SACD layer and the other redbook CD. If you play a SACD only disc in a non SACD capable unit, it won't work.

AFAICT, to get "true" SACD quality, one needs a SACD player with a built-in DAC that can handle SACD's. These output via analog six audio outputs, generally in a 5.1 format. ...like the Oppos.