I think a couple of people here (Amir, Edorr) have had experience with the multi-channel SPDIF digital output board for the Oppo.
What were your thoughts on it, did it work well, any drawbacks? Any other solutions to get multi-ch digital audio off a blu ray (yes I know about the HDCP reasons behind not having multi-ch digital outputs...)
I am toying with the idea of creating a digital chain from blu-ray through DSP through d/a for home theater. Conventionally and without resorting to a ADA or Datasat one would have to use a home theater processor to convert the digital to analog then reconvert it from analog to digital on the input of a DSP used for crossover or correction.
I finally got my modded Oppo up and running on multi channel this week-end and it completely trounces anything else I have had in my system. I do my critical listening on MCH SACD, but the conclusions hold for BR concerts as well. I don't listen to sound effects on movies, but no reason to assume results will be any different. Before the Oppo digi out, I have compared the following two signal paths:
Marantz ud9004 -> Six Shooter -> Trinnov (with A/D conversion) -> Perfectwave MKII DAC for mains, Trinnov DAC for Center, Marantz Dac for surrounds (MY BASELINE SYSTEM, SOUNDED MAGNIFICENT)
Oppo 93 HDMI -> ADA -> Trinnov (with A/D conversion) -> Perfectwave MKII DAC for mains, Trinnov DAC for Center, ADA Dac for surrounds (TRIED THIS JUST FOR KICKS. ANALOG SIGNAL PATH THROUGH MARANTZ WINS HANDS DOWN).
The Oppo digital into the Trinnov beats both these signal paths by a mile, for SACD this runs at 88/24 (the Trinnov does not support 176/24, although the Oppo will output it), and for BR you will get native resolution.
I run 4 channels through the Trinnov and surrounds through another DAC (ideally you would get an 8 channel Trinnov - too much $$$ for me). The four channel Trinnov allows me to configure two "delay lines" though. This just applies the system delay to an additional two lines. I use delay lines for my surrounds. My only problem is I have not gotten RS232 to work on the Trinnov. To synch up volume control for now I need to operate two remote controls. One I got Trinnov RS232 sorted out this will be taken care off through a macro in iRule. If you have a 8 channel processor with volume control in the chain this is not an issue of course.
If you take DRC out of the equation, this becomes even less complex and more compelling. If I had 10K to spend and want to get the very best (sans EQ) 10k could buy, here is what I would do:
Get a modded Oppo ($1500)
Get 3 x wyred 4 sound DAC2 ($4500)
Get a good SSP for less critical sources (satellite TV) (Marants / Onkyo?) ($2000)
Good digital cabling (essential! $1000-$2000)
You run the Oppo into the DACs and control all three DACs with a single remote control. Alternatively, synch up control of the DACs with iRule macros.
You run the SSP into the analog bypass of the DACs. Very simple, and I promise you for 10K you will have a setup that will beat the crap out of ANYTHING south of a 20K SSP.
If you have more to spend, replace the wyred 4 sound DACs with Bel Canto DACs - get a 3.5 for mains, and a 2.5 for center/sub/surrounds and their powersupply. This would be in the 12K range and be the best money can buy, short of 40K worht of EMM labs kit for SACD. Since everything is in the digital domain, there are various options of running this signal through EQ / room corrections if you don't mind the complexity - including pro stuff like Beyer. The sky is the limit.
The Oppo digi out architecture lands you on an entirely different price performance curve. I am absolutely convinced my system beats the 40K ADA reference (I have a better input signal - no HDMI, reclocked, custome DSD conversion for SACD, the same DRC and a better DAC for my mains).
PM me if you want more detail. I have a linear PS for the Oppo still boxed up. I will install this later this month.
One caveat. This setup will relentlessy expose poor recordings as poor recordings....