Originally Posted by rogerwalk
Rod,
You are raising a very important point: How good does the modified Oppo SOUND with e.g. SACDs via the HDMI or the 4x S/PDIF outputs as compared to a high-end SACD player with an excellent D/A converter and all-analog outputs? Is there an A/B comparison somewhere? Is it possible to compare the two using a Meridian G68/HD621 combo with a modified Oppo vs. e.g. a Lexicon RT-10? Do the Meridian's analog inputs pass the analog signal through to its speaker outputs without any D/A conversions?
If you send analogue signals to a Meridian they will always be digitzed since "all" processing inside Meridian is digital. The ADC's in Meridian processors are said to be pretty good, the problem is usually that cheaper players don't have so good DAC implementations (even though the specs are just fine). And of course, even with good components there's two extra conversions compared to straight digital.

HD621, G98DH, G68ADV, Bc Acoustiqe ACT A3, 5200C DSP33, NuForce Reference 9 monoblocks, 2x SB3's, Velodyne DD-15 & DD-12 Subwoofers and a Meridian sub.