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  1. #1
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    Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    I listen almost entirely to classical music, and when I listen via the the Oppo 105's multi-channel analog outs (I use the main stereo LT/RT for the front channels per the manual's suggestion), the sound is rather boxy/congested and has little depth. Via HDMI, the sound just blooms! The imaging is far wider, deeper, and the sound is simply more open sounding. I find this to be very puzzling since the analog section of the 105 is so highly touted. Any suggestions? (Actually, I prefer my Sony 5400 overall, but that's another topic!)
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  2. #2
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    It could be your cables for you analog output. Also, when you go out HDMI, what are you going in to? Your 8801?

    Lastly, I don't think the analog output (read: Oppo DAC) is all that great. I personally rank the SABRE DAC chips near the bottom of the list in terms of performance. The Wolfson near the top. YMMV.
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  3. #3
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    I've tried different cables...the Analysis Plus Ovals that I'm currently using sound the best. Yes, HDMI to the 8801.
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  4. #4
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Unless I'm mistaken, the 8801 contains the TI Burr Brown PCM1795 DAC chipset....hence, one of the reasons why you may prefer it over the Oppo. What you are describing, sounds very "SABREish" to me!
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  5. #5
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Haha, that might be it! I like the idea that the Sony only plays SACDs and CDs--I think the Oppo tries to do too much. It certainly sounds good via HDMI, but the Sony has just a bit more clarity and detail.
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  6. #6
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bachtoven View Post
    I listen almost entirely to classical music, and when I listen via the the Oppo 105's multi-channel analog outs (I use the main stereo LT/RT for the front channels per the manual's suggestion), the sound is rather boxy/congested and has little depth. Via HDMI, the sound just blooms! The imaging is far wider, deeper, and the sound is simply more open sounding. I find this to be very puzzling since the analog section of the 105 is so highly touted. Any suggestions? (Actually, I prefer my Sony 5400 overall, but that's another topic!)
    MUSIC Listening (Stereo & Multichannel Analog Outputs):

    1. Stereo CD and SACD: XLR balanced analog stereo output. ...Or RCA unbalanced analog stereo output |
    Settings
    - SACD Output: PCM
    - Down Mix Mode: Stereo

    2. Multichannel Hybrid SACD: RCA multichannel analog output |
    Settings
    - SACD Output: PCM
    - Down Mix Mode: 7.1Ch

    * John, if there are other settings that you are not sure of, ask me.
    And! If you tell me exactly all the connections you are using from your Oppo 105 (analog, digital, stereo, multichannel, audio, video); it would be much easier for me to recommend you the right settings.

    <<<>>> If using the multichannel (7.1) RCA analog out for anything; like CD, SACD Hybrid (stereo & multichannel), DVDs (Video & Audio), Blu-rays (Video & Audio) => Go for #2 above.

    *** Set your Marantz Audio Mode to: Pure Direct
    ~ Bob ~
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  7. #7
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    The Oppo BDP-105 is a versatile player, it does EVERYTHING and more.
    All the connections you made to it will determine your overall settings; the reason why I asked you to give me the full connection scheme of your personal setup.

    * As for ESS Sabre32 Premier DACs or Wolfson Microelectronics DACs or Burr-Brown TI PCM-1795 (32/192) DACs; what's best is what YOU (set of ears) prefer on a personal level. ...Key: Experimentation.
    BUT! Using the analog stereo XLR balanced (or RCA unbalanced) output of your Oppo BDP-105 Universal BD player, should give you a high quality sound.
    ...And also from the multichannel (7.1) RCA analog output (just slightly less in theory, but in practice, good luck).

    AND! Using the digital HDMI-2 output of your 105, and going to one of the HDMI inputs in your Marantz pre, should also give you a very pleasant sound; and perhaps even more so because you can use Audyssey MultEQ XT32 with it as well.
    {I don't think your Marantz 8801 SSP does any ADC from its multichannel analog input.} ...At the end it's your own set of ears, and like you said you prefer your Sony XA5400ES player. ...Both from its digital and analog outputs!

    More to come when more is shared...
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  8. #8
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    The idea of setting the SACD for lower resolution (PCM rather than DSD) seems counter-intuitive!
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  9. #9
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bachtoven View Post
    The idea of setting the SACD for lower resolution (PCM rather than DSD) seems counter-intuitive!
    We're talking multichannel analog here, no? It don't really matter at all; set it to DSD* and good luck @ hearing a difference.

    * Most people set it there because it rings better in their mind, not in their ears.
    ~ Bob ~
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  10. #10
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    My ears ring a bit all the time from attending concerts by Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, etc. without earplugs!

    I'll try it and see what happens.
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  11. #11
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bachtoven View Post
    My ears ring a bit all the time from attending concerts by Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, etc. without earplugs!

    I'll try it and see what happens.
    Here ya go, DSD direct stream from the multichannel analog out.
    ...And try PCM just for fun too, and hear if you can tell a difference John.
    Then pick the one that rings best to your own ears.

    * A question for you John: Does the Marantz 8801 support DSD direct without PCM conversion over HDMI?
    Any mention of it in your manual?
    ~ Bob ~
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  12. #12
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Sorry, I missed this. Yes, it supports DSD if I don't use the Audyssey software: the latter converts to PCM.
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  13. #13
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    That's cool, like in my Integra.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
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  14. #14
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Yeah, I don't think any processor can maintain native DSD format--they just don't have the processing power. Someday, maybe.
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  15. #15
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    I thought that some of them can, like your Marantz and my Integra for example. ...Let me check for some links about that.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
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    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

  16. #16
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Quote Originally Posted by NorthStar View Post
    I thought that some of them can, like your Marantz and my Integra for example. ...Let me check for some links about that.
    I meant the Audyssey software can't handle DSD.
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  17. #17
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bachtoven View Post
    I meant the Audyssey software can't handle DSD.
    Oh I see, with Audyssey you are converting to PCM and are restricted to 48kHz. ...Just not enough power yet in our DSP chips.
    Audyssey requires a lot (in particular MultEQ XT32) from a DSP chip, and to be able to handle DSD in its pure native bitstream in top of that would require additional DSP chips of very high computational force to do all the stuff in the way you're thinking of.
    So yes, you are abso!utely right.

    ____________________________

    John, here are two interesting links:

    1) List of AV Receivers & Pre/Pros with Pure DSD to Analog Processing

    2) Denon AVP-A1HDCI Surround Sound Processor and POA-A1HDCI Power Amplifier - Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

    __________________

    * And this one just for fun: http://www.analog.com/static/importe...entile_ch5.pdf
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
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  18. #18
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Most rooms sound better with Audyssey's correction, so even if the resolution numbers do not look impressive, the sound improvement is usually worth the "sacrifice."
    B&W803D3; McIntosh MA9000 integrated amp; Esoteric K-03 SACD/CD player; VPI Prime Signature/Ortofon Cadenza Bronze; Sennheiser HD800S and AudezeLCD-XC headphones

  19. #19
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    Re: Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

    Most rooms are not acoustically and professionally treated, so I totally agree with your assessment.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

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Oppo 105 Multi-channel Analog vs HDMI?

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