Physical & Digital EST: The Future of Home Video Discussion Thread

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by Vilya

A 4K disc player like this new Magnetar, priced comparably to the Oppo 205, should use DACs of the same or better quality and it simply does not.

Fair enough, I have not searched, where is there objective test that have been conducted on the part in question that shows it to be a inferior device?

Something from the past, the performance test of the two channel audio from the Pioneer CLD-900 and the Sony PCM-F1 was very close to the test of the Oppo 205 at 16/44.1. Same for professional Tascam and Studer* CD players. *The Studer had a low level, low frequency distortion with the transformer version, replaced the transformer output with active balanced outputs and no more problem. I did not test our Sony PCM-3324 (24 track digital) but Sony did and confirmed it meet spec.

I will likewise assume that you know that 99% of UHD player users will not spend $1600 for a disc spinner, too.

Same can be said of video projectors, AVP’s, video processors, etc.

[Wendell R. Breland]

For folks that may question my testing, at work we had several audio test devices. They included Fluke and HP level meters and HP spectrum analyzer - Tektronix generators, distortion analyzers, spectrum analyzers. Later we added a Audio Precision test set (don’t remember model). AP was used to test the Oppo 205.

Links included above, my personal test gear in my signature line.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

Fair enough, I have not searched, where is there objective test that have been conducted on the part in question that shows it to be a inferior device?

I did not go that deep into the DAC rabbit hole; comparing this ancient DAC to every newer DAC released since 2009 is a level of dom that I will never reach. I am simply referring to the fact that the Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM 1795 DAC is entirely absent from the "Best DACs of 2022" lists that I found.

It may well be a decent and serviceable DAC, but for $1600 I want the best, or close to it, and this ain't it.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by Vilya

It may well be a decent and serviceable DAC, but for $1600 I want the best, or close to it, and this ain't it.

In my case I probably never know because I have no intention of connecting audio analog outs of my many devices to my AVP. My AVP uses the ESS SABRE ES9016K2M DAC, it must be a lowly device since it is about ½ the wholesale price (here) of the DAC in question.

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

In my case I probably never know because I have no intention of connecting audio analog outs of my many devices to my AVP.

I would like to try it sometime, but it is much harder now for me to safari into the wire jungle behind my stuff.

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

it must be a lowly device since it is about ½ the wholesale price of the DAC in question.

You know better than to compare dealer wholesale prices to the retail prices that we mere mortals have to pay.

I could not find a price just for the ES9016K2M DAC on ebay, but the DAC used in the Oppo 205 sells for twice the price of the "DAC in question." It is also interesting to note that both the Oppo 205 and the Panasonic DP-UB9000P1K used DACs from ESS.

Your ES9016K2M DAC, launched in 2014, is a 32 bit 384kHz chip and is still better than the long in the tooth "DAC in question."

[Vilya]

Originally Posted by CV19

I take my hat off to you Sir, that's a phenomenal purchase in a year. You've had a very rough time during 2022, and I sincerely hope that next year proves to be a smoother and a healthy year for you.

I'm happy to do my part. Enjoying my movie hobby helped me to endure the low points of 2022.

2023 is going to start rough with some very important tests, but I am trying to remain hopeful for the new year as a whole.

I wish a Happy, and healthy, New Year to all of our forum members.

[CV19]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I'm happy to do my part. Enjoying my movie hobby helped me to endure the low points of 2022.

2023 is going to start rough with some very important tests, but I am trying to remain hopeful for the new year as a whole.

I wish a Happy, and healthy, New Year to all of our forum members.

Absolutely right. Watching movies is the best form of escapism and helps to get you through all the difficulties life can throw at you. I wish you all the best for when you have your tests.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish you and everybody here a peaceful, healthy and Happy New Year.

[Boccaccio]

This is my last purchase of 2022






I wish everyone a happy new year and a good health for 2023.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Boccaccio

This is my last purchase of 2022






I wish everyone a happy new year and a good health for 2023.

Same to you mate!

I picked up The Fall a few weeks back. Looking forward to watching.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by Vilya

I'm happy to do my part. Enjoying my movie hobby helped me to endure the low points of 2022.

2023 is going to start rough with some very important tests, but I am trying to remain hopeful for the new year as a whole.

I wish a Happy, and healthy, New Year to all of our forum members.

Best of luck with your tests at the beginning of the year and wishing you and everyone else a healthy and prosperous 2023.

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by Boccaccio

This is my last purchase of 2022






I wish everyone a happy new year and a good health for 2023.

House of the Dragon 4K showed up yesterday, so that is my last title for the year. I finished Better Call Saul last week and am floored with how good the last season was. I think Breaking Bad was a better overall show, but I liked the ending of Saul more, and I loved the ending of Breaking Bad!

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by Vilya

It is time for my always fascinating end of year disc report!

I added 170 4K UHD discs, 105 blu-rays, and 4 DVDs to my collection for a grand total of 279 discs purchased in 2022. Not bad for a year that was personally so challenging.

You definitely beat me as I added 152 titles during the year. It seems as if my spending during the holiday was down this year. Maybe I bought everything I wanted earlier or there were fewer deals or maybe even fewer titles tickling my fancy???

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by gotmule

Best of luck with your tests at the beginning of the year and wishing you and everyone else a healthy and prosperous 2023.

Same to you mate. I love Christmas but when it’s over, I get a bit down. Will pick myself up when back in swing of ‘routine’.

That’s what life is I suppose, 75% plodding on and the rest reserved for good times and great memories.

[Boccaccio]

Originally Posted by Steedeel

Same to you mate!

I picked up The Fall a few weeks back. Looking forward to watching.

It's a good movie. I've seen it in cinemas.
Thought it was going to be some forgettable B-movie but I quite liked it.

[Boccaccio]

Originally Posted by gotmule

House of the Dragon 4K showed up yesterday, so that is my last title for the year. I finished Better Call Saul last week and am floored with how good the last season was. I think Breaking Bad was a better overall show, but I liked the ending of Saul more, and I loved the ending of Breaking Bad!

They're both fantastic shows and I can't really decide which one I like more.
Can't wait to see how it's going to end.

[Steedeel]

Originally Posted by Boccaccio

It's a good movie. I've seen it in cinemas.
Thought it was going to be some forgettable B-movie but I quite liked it.

Just wish it was in 3D!

[bhampton]

I am undecided about making any changes going into the new year.

This year was certainly the best year ever in terms of my home theater hobby. My new projector is the nicest bit of gear I've ever known. Imagine a projector that's confident with HDR. It's equal parts projector and video processor.

I'm loving upgrading my movies to new remasters and sometimes UHD presentations.

If there's anything I may want to focus on it's the audio side of things. I have no desire to upgrade my speakers which are nearly 23 years old but my AVR is decidedly the weak link in the entire setup. I guess I can't even imagine what a better audio system would be like but I'm foolish enough to try to find out.

-Brian

[gotmule]

Originally Posted by bhampton

I am undecided about making any changes going into the new year.

This year was certainly the best year ever in terms of my home theater hobby. My new projector is the nicest bit of gear I've ever known. Imagine a projector that's confident with HDR. It's equal parts projector and video processor.

I'm loving upgrading my movies to new remasters and sometimes UHD presentations.

If there's anything I may want to focus on it's the audio side of things. I have no desire to upgrade my speakers which are nearly 23 years old but my AVR is decidedly the weak link in the entire setup. I guess I can't even imagine what a better audio system would be like but I'm foolish enough to try to find out.

-Brian

My two favorite pieces are my projector and my processor for sure. An AVP or AVR are critical to a system in my mind. The only thing I am looking at is the MadVR video processor as an expense in 2023, so we will see how that shakes out. Such a fun hobby.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Criterion has an interesting article (here) called The Most-Anticipated Films of 2023. Have not read all.

[Wendell R. Breland]

Originally Posted by bhampton

I guess I can't even imagine what a better audio system would be like but I'm foolish enough to try to find out.

May your search be a joyous one!!

Here are several to look over, most of these will not be in the big box stores. Best Buy Magnolia Design centers could be the exception for some brands like McIntosh, Onkyo, Marantz and others. Some like Emotiva and Outlaw Audio may be site only ordering. FWIW, I owned an Outlaw Audio AVP for several years.