I've gotten the itch to replace my Oppo 105 SACD/CD player. I would like to use my Holo Audio May KTE DAC, which I believe can decode DSD via an HDMI cable. What transports/players are available that have HDMI digital outs? What do I need to know to do this successfully (ie are there any hacks necessary)?
I received a suggestion on another forum to check out the D.BoB from GeerFab. It turns out they make a box that does exactly what I'm trying to do. I'll post my findings when I receive the box later this week.
FEATURES & SPECS Overview Connections Weights & Dimensions Product Dimensions (W x H x D): 8.5” x 1.75” x 4.75“ 216mm x 121mm X 44.5mm Product Weight:2.2 lbs / 1 kg Packaging Dimensions (W x H x D):10.75” x 10.25” x 2.88” 273mm x 260mm x 73mm Packaging Weight: 3.2 lbs / 1.45 kg Carton Qty:…...
The GeerFab d.BOB arrived this morning and I had it passing bits to my Holo Audio May DAC. No critical listening yet, but the DAC is locked onto the Coax 2 input signal.
The GeerFab d.BOB arrived this morning and I had it passing bits to my Holo Audio May DAC. No critical listening yet, but the DAC is locked onto the Coax 2 input signal.
Ok so no critical listening is needed. There is a big (positive) difference in the sound of the d.BOB Holo May DAC compared to the Oppo. And to think I used to think the Oppo was a pretty darned good CD player!
Ok so no critical listening is needed. There is a big (positive) difference in the sound of the d.BOB Holo May DAC compared to the Oppo. And to think I used to think the Oppo was a pretty darned good CD player!
I have two CD transport players. Both are Bel Canto. The CD2 is the best. It has an Up Sampling to 96KHz built inn. You can turn off this feature if you want. Using it with the Holo May Kte, the sound of the CD at 44.1KHz/16bit is stunning. I never thought that I was going to have the pleasure to listened this quality sound coming from a CD. The CD3 model is very good. It offers good wide stage with tons of definition. Not as wide as the CD2, but it is very nice too.
Before you make a decision, try to listen it first. There are good transports out there...
I have two CD transport players. Both are Bel Canto. The CD2 is the best. It has an Up Sampling to 96KHz built inn. You can turn off this feature if you want. Using it with the Holo May Kte, the sound of the CD at 44.1KHz/16bit is stunning. I never thought that I was going to have the pleasure to listened this quality sound coming from a CD. The CD3 model is very good. It offers good wide stage with tons of definition. Not as wide as the CD2, but it is very nice too.
Before you make a decision, try to listen it first. There are good transports out there...
I'm actually happy sticking with my Oppo with the addition of the D.BOB. Are the Bel Cantos SACD or only CD? As an aside I've also heard great things about the Cambridge Audio universal player (no longer made either, but goes for about $1k on the used market, and has a better DAC than the Oppo)