njsam

HDMI one of the worst digital connections for sound?? That doesn't sound right, does it? You'll probably have to decipher that statement for me. I am just streaming data bits over an HDMI interface not actual analog signal. So there shouldn't be any difference at all between the Optical and HDMI signals. Besides, HDMI is the go-to solution for almost all audio/video processing these days (unless you are doing Optical audio + component video). The Micromega is a good DAC solution. In fact there are any number of good DACs under $500. The rub is, there aren't too many notable CD+DAC combos at that price. And excellent CD+DAC is precisely what I am looking for.

Hi, I am looking for some tips on getting the best sound within my limited means. Please look at my planned set up below and let me know your suggestions: Windows PC (existing) >> iTunes >> Airplay to Apple TV 2 (existing) >> HDMI to Oppo 103 (planned) >> Emotiva USP-1 preamp (existing) >> Dual XPA-100 monoblocks (existing) >> Polk RTI A3s (existing) I already listen to iTunes music via Apple TV through my other setup, so I know that the practical sound quality is very good. I am aware that with AirPlay, tracks are down-sampled to CD quality 16/44.1 and are not really 24/96 or 24/192. I do like pure sound, but I do not have OCD so this is a compromise I am willing to make. The main question about my planned set up is around the new Oppo 103. Currently I do not own an external DAC that I can use with the Apple TV. Neither do I have a good CD player. Instead of wasting shelf space and money on CD and DAC separates, I am looking for a CD player/DAC combo and this particular model sits sweetly in the $500 bracket. While there are notable others such as the Oppo 105 or Marantz SA8004, they are significantly more expensive and I cannot spend $1000+ right now. The disc-playing capabilities of the Oppo are fairly well known so there's no debate around that. The downside, however, is that it does not support an optical SPDIF input which would enable me to use the Toslink cable from the Apple TV2. So I will have to fall back on using the Apple TV2's HDMI out to the Oppo 103's HDMI input and configure it to play Stereo only. So, here goes: 1. When Apple TV sends 2-channel stereo, will it add any white noise (for HDMI's video component) that will create an inferior listening experience? 2. When the Oppo 103 down-samples the HDMI audio input will it do so without loss of fidelity? 3. What DAC is used? How good is the implementation? Any overall thoughts or experiences that will help me with my decision? Right now, my amps and speakers are all dressed up and nowhere to go! So I want to make the CD/DAC decision pronto. Cheers.