Killing BluRay, new Oppo BR 83


OK, I have been vocal on these forums with my opinion that BluRay is a short term media, and will not become the dominant media format. My reason:

1) There is not a mind blowing difference in BluRay quality
over the existing domintant format of DVD. That's not to say BluRay is not better, but it's not the difference between VHS and DVD, where you couldn't believe what you were seeing. Does it look and sound better, yes. Does it change your life, no. Especially with the quality of the upconverting DVD players available.

2) Given my first point, I don't think there is a big call to replace any purchased DVD's with BluRay. Any videophile who had a bunch of VHS tapes did that immeadiately with DVD, but why do it again? Basically the same disk, great sound, and small size, with excellent picture. I don't think that investment is going to be made again, and that means the market for BluRay discs is MUCH smaller for classic movies.

3) The advenet of internet based movie downloads is already available in HD. Granted, it's only 720 and no HD soundtracks, but does anyone believe that is not coming, and quickly. I love using my AppleTV to rent movies, never leave the house, and don't have to return. Honestly, I have bought a bunch of movies that way, since I have such a big network storage capacity. I think this will be the dominant AV format going forward, both movies and music. More high res video and music available faster. I believe that the rise in the market for outboard DAC's will become even greater, and they will have he ability to decode the new higher res music, and possible video soundtracks in surround. Output to analog preamps for Audiophile grade sound will become the norm for audiophiles, or hybrid HT/2 channel systems, as is becoming the norm.

I whole-heartedly believe this since recieving my new Oppo BluRay player. It is a great player, and it's the second BluRay I have had in my system so it just has re-inforced my previous hypothosis regarding the future of BluRay. Don't get me wrong, the player is STELLAR in every way. Considering the price, it's almost criminal especially on SACD and DVD-Audio (which I have not had any of the problems that the first firmware owners had). I have not gotten to use it as a CD transport yet, I am waiting on one of Paul G's (TubeAudioDesign) new DACs and the redbook CD sound on it's own was just OK.

That said, after watching several movies in both BluRay and DVD on the same player, the difference is just not that huge. It is better, but not enough to make me run out and buy any of those movies again on BluRay. It's the difference, to me, between the Magnepan 3.6 and 20.1. It's definitely better, but they are both excellent.

OK, those are my thoughts, FWIW.

I came to these conclusion
macdadtexas
Just played a SACD DSD recording through the OPPO 83 outputting DSD.
It has a different sound than my Cary 306 SACD player but it is a very pleasing sound. The bass is clear and defined with pinpoint imaging.
I cant really decide which I prefer.
That is saying alot comparing a $499 Universal player to a $9000 dedicated CD/SACD player.

Even if you only use the OPPO for rented BR discs, the Video is fantastic and the SACD is reaaly great!
Personally I think even inferior quality digital distribution will defeat blu-ray. The convenience factor of on demand downloading is tremendous.
Yes I do. I have nothing against BR per se- my decision was based on economics. I totally understand that the Oppo 83 is superior to what I ended up buying. It's also $410 more, and I can't justify the cost considering the size of my screen and lack of Blu-Ray content.
I for one don't want to waste my time watching downloaded movie over a good copy of blu ray. Same reason I don't listen to MP3 over a good CD or SACD for mere convenience. Each proponent has their reasons, mine is quality over qty and convenience.

Kenobi