External DAC vs the OPPO 95's internal

Has anyone else shares the ears and brain you have?

that sony has much better power supply, lower noise and quality s\\pdif output circuitry.... it is miles ahead of oppo, in particular if paired with belcanto via good quality coax cable.

Boky

But have you compared them side-by-side via analog output?

I have not. I based my comments on 20+ years I spent in high end audio field doing design and modifications.

I modified the Sony and listened & compared BelCanto on number of occasions. However, I did not listen to OPPO, but have checked the photos… and have based my initial comment on what I have just stated above.

Boky

OK. You are drawing reasonable inferences. However, they are not conclusive without a real comparison. See September Stereophile.

Kal,
Do you happen to know when the issue will be released? For some reason my subscription usually arrives late. Thanks

September issue should arrive in mid-August.

Oddly enough, I am searching for a good option in some kind of DAC/cd player that has volume(to run an amp directly) and can accept music files in one form or another. This has led me to the Oppo 95 with its Sabre32 DAC and usb inputs. No idea about Bel Canto though I've heard they have a warm or tube like sound.

I'm looking for an upgrade in my system, and the only other options seem to be DACs like the Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2, or more expensive. The Oppo may be the one to beat performance and price wise.

Sabre 32 bit DAC chip does not mean instant audio nirvana. I suggest you spend more time on DIY audio forums to find good sounding CD player, or CD transport / DAC combination

Here is combination that will give you outstanding results for reasonable amount of money, and will be much better than oppo, in fact it will be much better than anything at around $5000….

Transport: http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/CD7FV/CD7SEFVEN.htm


DAC: http://www.tentlabs.com/Products/b-DAC/b-DAC.html


Boky

Thanks for the links! I've been looking for a while and it's always helpful to have more input. I never mentioned it, but I already have a cd player and a DAC with volume, both Emotiva models. Some have found the XDA-1 to be overly bright when connected straight to an amp, but my concern is the thing sounds sterile which maybe is kind of the same thing.

I've tried it with a pre amp, but this reduced its sounstage somewhat. In considering some kind of improvement, Oppo 95 has been compared directly to the Emotiva ERC-1 and XDA-1 combo, and the 95 was clearly superior in some threads I've read, so I'd be willing to give it a try out. I could always send it back if I don't have this result. Still pondering the Wyred DAC 2 though.

In case the stock BDP-95 isn't enough for you, there is always Modwright:
http://www.modwright.com/modifications/25

What for? Does it make audible difference?

Any other suggestions for an oppo 95 alternative (cd / sacd).
Your Chinese CD7 + Tentlabs suggestion sounds good but it's double the price of the 95.
Anything around 1000?
Appreciate it, Thanks

Any other suggestions for an oppo 95 alternative (cd / sacd).
Your Chinese CD7 + Tentlabs suggestion sounds good but it's double the price of the 95.
Anything around 1000?
Appreciate it, Thanks