Re: [SurroundSound] Abridged summary of surroundsound@googlegroups.com - 5 Messages in 3 Topics

>
>
>>
>> Especially as the discussion here is mostly about audio signals, not
>> video,
>> a 'well equipped HTPC' isn't necessary, if you're sending a digital
>> signal out. A simple netbook or laptop will do. You're basically
>> offloading the heavy work to the device(s) that has the DAC.
>>
>
> But if you're comparing the complete package, the Oppo contains the DAC's.
> In the case of the Oppo 95, it contains ESS SABRE DAC's that are typically
> only found in very high-end external DAC's. You can't just dismiss
> everything else the Oppo brings to the table (DAC's, video quality, ease
> of
> use, etc.) just because it doesn't fit your definition of what an HTPC is,
> or should be.


Without even getting into the argument over audible differences in DACs,
one thing *I* absolutely expect a modern audio system to do is apply 'room
correction', and the Oppo won't do that. So yes, *I* can dismiss its
DACs; I treat my own Oppo (the old 970) purely as a transport these days
when I use it all for audio. I increasingly use my laptop for video too.


> You can build an engine that has more HP than a Ferrari,
> but
> that doesn't mean people don't want to buy the Ferrari because of
> everything it offers.


Fit and finish? Glamour/bragging rights? Those are important to
consumers, but they aren't about objective performance.


> I fully recognize that many people prefer HTPC's for what they can do, and
> can invest in as little, or as much, as they can afford. There are also
> hobbyists that love to build them and tinker with them. I was initially
> responding to a sarcastic remark that because a $50 software program added
> a feature, that it somehow made the Oppo obsolete. If you're happy with
> your HTPC, good for you.

I do think standalone DVD and CD players are essentially obsolete, actually.

I'm extremely happy with my Oppo, for a variety
> of
> reasons that may or may not coincide with yours. My admittedly low-end
> HTPC
> sits in my rack unused because of my Oppo. I wouldn't have it any other
> way.

And my admittedly low-end Oppo sits unused because of my 'htpc'. I
wouldn't want to go back.




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