kyle bermingham Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 (edited) I have an Oppo BDP-103, which is hooked up to a Marantz AV-7701. I listen over a 5.1 system with RF-7s. I presently listen to SACD by way of HDMI. I have read that hooking up SACD with analog is preferable for playback. If the difference is incredibly subtle and not all can hear it, I have no reason to believe I would. Additionally, if it is that marginal, I do not think I want to buy the right length cables, then get behind my equipment and hook them up, even if I could. However, if there is clearly a noticeable difference and it makes listening to multi-channel (I do not bother with 2-channel SACDs) more pleasurable, I will endeavor.I would appreciate any input from those who have listened with both methods of connecting, or otherwise have any relevant thoughts. Thank you. Edited June 28, 2014 by kyle bermingham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totalcomfort Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 I have tried it both ways and could not tell any difference. My ears are not what they use to be but still pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 The quality of playback usually comes down to the onboard DACs of either the player or the preamp and the implementation of them. If the DACs and analog output stage of the Oppo is of better quality than that of the Marantz, then it would be better to connect via RCA's from Oppo to Marantz. If the opposite is true, then HDMI from Oppo to Marantz will yield "better" results. If all things "equal", then go with what is more convenient. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 didn't we have this exact discussion just a few months ago? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 didn't we have this exact discussion just a few months ago? Probably so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle bermingham Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 I didn't catch it, so I am happy for the responses. I am now completely content to leave as is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 My Cambridge Audio 751BD, kind of an Oppo BDP-95 in an Oppo BDP-93 size package, has pretty high quality DACs and analog output section. The same can be said for my NAD T175HD pre/pro also. Therefore, it is pretty much a toss up. In your case, with your Oppo 103 and Marantz 7701, it may also be a toss up. Now if you had the Oppo 103 with the Marantz 8801, things may lean toward HDMI from Oppo to Marantz because of the flagship quality of the 8801. Critical listening sessions with your setup both ways is really the only way for you to know which is better, if any is. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Kyle, didn't you used to live near Groveland? Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyle bermingham Posted June 28, 2014 Author Share Posted June 28, 2014 Bill, I suspected the DACs were quite close, but like you stated, the 8801 is a step up in that regard. I know I am taking the lazy way out (not listening for myself), but I really do not want to go through the effort if there is a 1% difference. I am now just about certain I would not sense any difference.I did live in Groveland when I worked for Clermont. We moved two years ago to the south St. Petersburg/Gulfport area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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