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OPPO BDP-103 (NON Darby)

Hey all, (My mistake, I know it’s Darbee, not "Darby.")
I think I’m finally going to break down and buy a player that plays SACD disks. I know there are not all that many SACD titles available but I tried getting back into vinyl and was not all that happy with the $800.00 table I bought. Perhaps when I can afford a $3,00.00 PLUS turntable I will try again.
Anyway, I currently play DSD & FLAC files via thumb drive with my Marantz network player and CDR via a good Yamaha CD player. My amp & pre-amp are Emotiva and current speakers are B&W.
My thought is to buy an OPPO 103 - NON Darbee addition as I do not expect to use it for anything but 2 channel audio.
So, my qiestion is; how does the OPPO BDP-103 perform when playing Hi-Res audio and especially SACD? Does anyone have first hand experience with other players that may be a better choice for what I want in the same price range? I’ve read that the OPPOs tend to do better with Video play back than audio. Is this true?
I appreciate any & all replies!
wcc10

Showing 12 responses by 2channel8

2channel8
760 posts
 
I'd like to see the discussion continue on the subject of best 2 channel SACD/CD player (with DVD-A and HDCD) bang for the buck. The OP has, I believe an SA 8005 - I've never heard of a Marantz NA 8005.

I have an Oppo DV-980-HD, which was my introduction to non-redbook. I really like the formats and am looking to upgrade as cheaply as possible. I have a middling receiver, Rotel RX-1052; but I like it with my Canton Ergo 1002DCs. The DV-980 does not play redbooks quite as well as my NAD C546BEE, IMHO.

My research strongly suggests that the Oppo BPD X5s are better for audio than their BDP X3 counterparts. I think a BDP 95 is about as rich as I could go at present. There is a Marantz SA 8003 I could get for $300 less. Better deal?

It seems used Marantz and Oppo command top dollar. Has anyone heard a Denon DVD-5900 or DVD-3910? Or an Arcam DV-135 or DV-137?
2channel8
760 posts
 
What about connecting an external DAC to the Oppo DV-980-H? Does anyone have any experience with that? Are there any good ones with RCA analog out for around $400 that handle DSD? My local dealer suggested an "inexpensive" Ayre. Only $2,500!!!
2channel8
760 posts
 
Thanks for the help x2, Aux.
I'll save for the Marantz and stop (or at least try to control my compulsions) researching and be at peace.

Jim
2channel8
760 posts
 
Thanks, Auxinput. I know the transport of the 980 is it's weakest link, hence the urge to upgrade.

The Marantz SA 8003 got away. It went for $600. Oppo 95s are going for $800. Clearly the Marantz was a better deal. There a few older models for about the same money.

There are some Oppo 83SA or EVS mods for $475.

An Oppo 103 is going for $225 (it will go up - auction).

Is the 95 really that much better than a 103???? 
2channel8
760 posts
 
The 980 plays HDCD and DVD-A, so I'll hang onto it for the few discs I have. It also plays anything I've loaded on a USB. I will probably experiment with running it through the Marantz. (Hey! I can do that with the NAD now! I think I have a TOS cable. Would a composite video cable work for coax?)

I'm not into FLAC yet. Is it worth it? Would something like a Dragonfly handle that?
2channel8
760 posts
 
The $700+ price difference is more compelling in my present situation. :(
I appreciate all the support.
2channel8
760 posts
 
Leotis: " For the price you will never find a better rig than the 103 IMHO. But the rest of the links in the chain are crucial."

Do you think the 103 sounds better than the 95 and 85SE; or is it just the value? Is there any difference in DSD to PCA for 2 channel analog?
2channel8
760 posts
 
wcc10, I'm surprised the discussion seems to focus on the sources and pre. Maybe the B&Ws are nor a good match for the rest of your components and/or room. Do you have a good set of headphones? If they solve your problem it is not the source components; maybe not the pre-amp either.
2channel8
760 posts
 
"No, I do not have any headphones. But that is a good idea to try! Thanks."  
For $250 the NAD Viso HP50 are pretty damn good. I think they are essentially the same as the PSB M4U 1, but more comfortable. Both designed by Paul Barton. Once you try them, they may change your listening habits. If you don't want to spend that much the Sony MDS series is a good bet. If you really want to retire your speakers, look at the Oppos.

I must say that I only listen with headphones when I am forced to or doing some testing since I got my Canton Ergo floor standers. Ther is a similar pair on E bay now: http://www.ebay.com/itm/152151378738?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

But you will find no end of recommendations from the faithful here. I also liked the SVS Prime tower when I was shopping. $1,000/pr at the time.
2channel8
760 posts
 
Update: The SVS Primes are on sale now fro SVS Outlet as low as $700/pr.

http://www.svsound.com/collections/outlet-specials/outlet-speaker?page=2
2channel8
760 posts
 
Got to say though, I am finished buying electronics on eBay. Too many unfortunate experiences like "new" components delivered with missing parts just to name one.
I am very partial to speakers with a natural finish, Cherry, etc. 
 Well, I guess you better get out there and start auditioning. Have fun! But I wouldn't give up on eBay, totally. I got my speakers from a local guy who listed. He let me audition in my own system before I decided.

2channel8
760 posts
 
Point of order, Ladies and Gents. Have I committed a faux pas by 'horning-in' on wcc10's thread. I new to forums and don't have all the etiquette down.
If,so; all apologies. 
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