Blu-Ray player as a CD transport

[Dan Turner]

i'm thinking buying a new BDP both for improved movie performance and because I do like to use it as an occasional CD transport (connected digitally to my SuperNait) and I'm not sure that the BDP-S550 is quite up to the job.

What sort of thing should I be looking at from a Blu-ray playback perspective, bearing in mind the rest of my HC gear (see Bio)?

Also what sort of level do I need to look at to get one that will also act as an excellent CD transport? Is a Blu-ray player inherently compromised in that function and if so any insights in to why?

Cheers.

 

[aliEnRIK]

I use a dedicated Arcam for my cds. But I have tested my S370 as transport and used my pre amp for the DAC (High end pre amp mind), and it was very comparable to my arcam FMJ CD32 (Worth approx 1200 quid when they were new). (Just so your aware though, ive got very clean mains, replaced the mains cable with a braided type, everythings sat on atacama shelves and I use anti-vibration rubbers underneath the feet)

 

[Dan Turner]

Thanks Rik

 

[pete321]

I tested my Oppo blu-ray as a transport to play a CD which I'd also ripped to lossless on my hard drive. The Oppo (LAT mains lead + mains filtering) was set on Source Direct and fed to my Level 4 Burson's modded DacMagic via coax SPDIF. I compared it to the ripped CD which I played back bit perfect using FooBar2000 which also was fed to the DacMagic via coax SPDIF. The differences to my ears were quite surprising, the CD playback being flat and uninvolving compared to the lossless rip.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Dan,

Best of two worlds: Oppo BDP 83 SE.

Kind regards,

Hendrikj.

 

[Dan Turner]

Thanks for the replies. The Oppo is an interesting option because I do have a handful of SACDs and DVD-As that I can't currently play.

Interesting to hear about the comparison of the rip vs the CD. I'm experiencing much the same thing, hence wondering about getting a better Blu-ray as much for the CD transport function as the actual blu-ray playback. Even though playing back a CD is only occasional, it is rather flat compared with a lossless or uncompressed rip replayed via my Sonos. Both go into the DAC on my SuperNait, at the moment the Sonos is connected with a QED Reference coax and the Sony BD a TCI Coral optical - I can't believe that the cable is making that much difference though.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

The Oppo is a great device but I would try to test one in your system before you buy. The sound performance of the unit is not the 5/5 you often read about. CD and DVD playback are not class leading either.

I would look at the BDP-S5000es, a stonker of a unit with superb CD, DVD and BD playback. The sound from this unit in bitstream or PCM is solid and engaging. If you are looking for something more upto date you might want to look at the UD players from Marantz.

 

[pete321]

The Oppo was great when it first came out, and perhaps has led to more manufacturers producing multi-format machines. That's why I sold mine and I'm waiting for the Denon DBP-1611UD & Marantz UD5005. Having said that, if you've got a good external DAC, lossless CD rips seem to sound better to me, I just want my blu-ray player as a HDMI transport for movies, SACD & DVD-Audio.

 

[Dan Turner]

TheHomeCinemaCentre:I would look at the BDP-S5000es, a stonker of a unit with superb CD, DVD and BD playback. The sound from this unit in bitstream or PCM is solid and engaging. If you are looking for something more upto date you might want to look at the UD players from Marantz.

I would love the '5000es, as it also makes a great visual match for my HC amp in addition to all it's positive attributes.

For that sort of money however - I'd have to weigh up the '5000es Vs a Hi-Cap for my Supernait for my next upgrade....mmmm