Amp, Stereo Receiver or AVR for Sierra 2's?

[Ponzio]

One of the reasons that I upgraded my old Yamaha RX-V4600 to the RX-A3000 was to take advantage of the DNLA network streaming & USB features for music. I figured why power up both my AVR & Oppo when I can just use the AVR. While it performs those tasks admirably, there is enough of a difference in sound quality, to me, that I'm back to using the Oppo for those chores. I also have an older generation ES reference series Sony stand alone cd player and the Oppo just blows it away. I've purchased some decent equipment in the last 3 years (speakers/AVR's, etc.) but the Oppo BDP-105 was the best bang-for-buck decision I ever made, considering the hefty price tag. I've had friends & family who thought I was crazy to spend $1200 for a DVD/CD player but after I demo it, you can see the wheels grinding.

 

[RichB]

I also hear the difference when level matched when I compared the BDP-105(D) analog unbalanced, balanced, COAX digital, and Optical Digital.
There was about a 1 DB difference where the 105D was louder (as measured by the OmniMic2).
I adjusted the input level on the digital inputs and still the difference remained. The unbalanced had better bass and a smoother top end.

The Balanced inputs I believe were compromised because the AV8801 can (and likely does) digitize them, even in Pure Direct mode.

I would not conclude that the difference is the "DAC". The AV8801 is using far less circuitry in its analog path since it is only providing volume control.
The BDP-105(D) has a different DAC, DSP processing, and output stage.
The entire design has meaning and can effect sound production.

I have also compared the BDP-105D to the HA-1 acting as a preamp in two ways.

1) HA-1 Preamp: BDP-105D XLR -> HA-1 -> A51 -> Salons
2) BDP-105D Preamp: BDP-105D XLR -> A51 -> Salons

I level matched them with Pink Noise by ear and verified the levels using the OnmiMic2.
J River Linked Zones were used to send the synchronized tracks to both via their USB DACs.
In case 1) they are level matched by default and the HA-1 is used for quick switching.
In case 2) an XLR switch was used to switch the amplifier between preamps.

Identical J River settings were used and Oppo's unified driver was streaming over USB.
In both tests, the HA-1 produced a more open sound and tighter bass.

Since both use the same DACs, the DAC itself is not the cause, but ESS DACs can be configured in different ways.

I use the HA-1 as my exclusive for 2-channel music, but I can understand how others may find the BDP-105D a bit warmer and prefer it.

So after all of this, my experience is that all "DAC's" or more appropriately DACs/preamps do not sound the same.

- Rich

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would not conclude that the difference is the "DAC"....The BDP-105(D) has a different DAC, DSP processing, and output stage. The entire design has meaning and can effect sound production.

...Since both use the same DACs, the DAC itself is not the cause, but ESS DACs can be configured in different ways...

...others may find the BDP-105D a bit warmer and prefer it.

...my experience is that all "DAC's" or more appropriately DACs/preamps do not sound the same.

I thought the difference is not in the DAC itself --- the DAC itself is not the cause of the difference in sound (warmer sound)?

Sure, if the Oppo takes the sound and apply a smidgen more warmth and a touch more bass to create a fuller sound, then I can understand the difference in the resulting sound.

I extrapolate this to mean that if there were no DSP/EQ effectuated after the DAC (as in Pure Direct), then the sound would be very very similar.

If the 2 DACs just take the same digital signal and convert to analog without processing the sound any further, then the sound between the DACs would remain similar.

It seems like what I would describe Dynamic EQ. It takes a "flat" neutral sound and then felicitously and adroitly adds warmth and bass to create a fuller sound that is mellifluous.