Thanks to all for your responses, appreciate the insight. Based on what I'm hearing, it sounds like if the Oppos' not modded, and/or there is no intent on making use of its video capabilities, a better choice could be made by going with any one of the number of quality dedicated audio high performance players available. |
Thanks again to all for the insight. I consider myself a music lover first with a serious audiophile approach to the hobby, so the feature or video components of the player would not come into play for me. I'm intrigued by the overwhelmingly positive reviews this player is receiving and I was hoping it would surface as a potential SACD/CD upgrade contender for my current source, the Bryston BCD-1. However, I'm not getting that impression, as virtually everyone who writes or weighs in, has either modded it to make it better or has purchased it, (and rightly so) for it's intended purpose, which is a quality AV piece. Thanks |
Thanks Shakedown appreciate it. I think I'm beginning to take a sip of the Koolaid with this unit, just to many personal post and professional reviews echoing what you, Freediver and Csontos are saying. Can't fight the feeling any longer, I just have to hear for myself. Could what everyone is saying really be true? That a $1,200 universal home theater player rivals the best dedicated cd units from the likes of Ayre and Esoteric? I think I'll pick up the new 105 and give it a shot, afterall, Music Direct has a 30 Day return policy right? Thanks to all again, looking forward to being astounded and sharing my impressions. |
Thanks DB. Yes, I would be using the analog RCA output of the Oppo as my amp, (LFD NCSE MkII) does not offer balanced outs. Which now that you mention it, does bring me to another question/concern. Will I be sacrificing to much of the Oppos' capability by not going balanced? Also, it's my understanding that there is an Audio Only setting that eliminates the video features of the unit, are there other set up modes I should be aware of to optimize the Oppos two channel audio sound? |
Your point is well taken Jimmy2615, however, while that type of head-to-head would certainly be ideal, I'm not sure how accessible a comparison of that nature would be to most potential buyers. Realistically, I think most of us are left to judge a particular components' sound based on what we've heard previously, which admittedly, is most certainly fallible. That said, not having heard either the Oppo or the reference piece you cite in Mikes' comparison above, I'm not sure what that that tells me about either player, i.e. is the Oppo that good or is the $15K piece that bad? For the sake of curiosity, which did you like better, the Ayre or Meridian? Also, just to be clear, was it your impression that the Oppo sounded to be on par with the cheaper Denon? Thanks |
Appreciate the detail Desalvo55, thank you. My real question is how does the Oppo 95 stack up, (in terms of audiophile standards) as a pure, two channel red book cd player? Which from what I'm hearing, is a question by it's very nature that misses the point of the Oppos' designed intention. The intent being the 95/105 is a player targeted to those video and computer entushiast who will make the most of it's features and not the dedicated two audiophile who may be better served to look along the lines of Ayre, Esoteric, or in my case, sticking with the Bryston BCD-1. Thanks |
Thanks again Desalvo55 and to all who have replied. You are absolutely right, not all dacs, (or how they're utilized) are created equal and system synergy is critical. After a fair amount of research and hearing from a number of very satisfied Oppo owners, you're right, I have decided to abandon the notion of replacing my Bryston with the Oppo. The reasoning that the Oppo is a great sounding player, "for the money" is of no consequence to me, in fact, that makes it less attractive. However, the main reason I won't be moving forward with the Oppo is that it has become rather apparent to me now, that while the Oppo may be a terrific home theatre/computer piece, it probably should not be confused with something it is not intended to be, and that is a audiophile quality cd source. Thanks again. . |
Dbphd, you're right, while I was not closed minded to the 95s ability, I was at least incredulous to the hype surrounding the Oppo 95. Oh believe me, I wanted it to be true, who wouldn't? A thousand dollar do-it-all source that could actually hold it's own and in fact, surpass the performance of high end players costing two, three times the money! I so wanted to hear convincing testimony that would ease my doubt a move me to give the new 105 a shot, but I didn't get that. I heard from a number of people who were making the most of the units features that would not come into play for me. I get the impression that those who buy the Oppo are approaching this hobby from a different perspective, one that is not necessarily solely focused or the reproduction of the live musical performance. |
Thanks Harri009. Based on your findings, sounds like with the Ayre being clearly the better player, the myth of a truly affordable giant killer is alive and well. All the hype surrounding the Oppo remainds me of a very similar buzz that was surrounding the Cambridge Audio 851 CD Player a couple of years ago when TAS proclaimed it to be the equal of five thousand dollar units. They took quite a bit of flack for that one and rightfully so, as it didn't take long for that notion to be dispelled. Thanks, J. |
Appreciate the input Rower30 and I couldn't agree more. However, I think you and I know that the chance of the music industry committing to a hi-res digital standard is slim to none. Just not enough money in it for them. |
Thanks again Desalvo55. I guess I can blame my original hi-fi orientation for my current "old school" audiophile approach, (and firm belief), that the best way to reproduce a realistic, life-like sound is via a dedicated two channel/listening room, sans subs or TV. It has only been recently that I've moved from tubes to SS, let alone dive into the computer audio arena. Which based on what I've seen and heard, has indeed looked painful and in the couple of systems I've experienced, sounded horrible. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm getting truly great sound, from well recorded red book cds. However, that said, like must of us, I can't shake the faith I have in the notion that it can always sound better and just what may be the next step to get it one step closer to that myhtical (?) absolute sound? It was that very thought process that led me to originally ask the question regarding the Oppo 95s' red book capability, which after hearing from several quality mates such as yourself, has reinforced my decision to stick with my Bryston. Unless of course, I run across a good deal on the new Copland 825 cd player. Yep, a new two channel only, (not even SACD) 6,500 dollar cd player. |
Thanks for the input Statman, appreciate it. I'm curious, would you prefer the 105 over your Ayre if you were not converting to multi=channel? Thanks, Jayh31 |
Thanks Harri009. I considered taking advantage of the retuen policy with the Oppo 105, however, after considerable discussion with several video and audiophiles alike who have consierable experience with the 95, my suspicions have been confirmed. And those are, (just as you have pointed out) that the Oppo 95/105, in spite of all the hype, is not, (nor is it intented to be), a source designed to compete with the best dedicated audiophile digital sources, such as your Ayre or my Bryston for that matter. So with that, based on my needs, I don't believe the Oppo offers enough for me to go through with the try it and return it exercise. It does appear as though that Oppo is hitting it's target market, those being the video enthusiast looking for a quality, flexible, digital TV source, and not to those committed to recreating a dedicated two channel, lifelike, music experience, which of course as we know, is a completely different ball game. jayh31 |
Fellas, c'mon man. Is it just me, but why is it that so many Oppo owners feel the need to mod it? And Statman, you don't care "how good it sounds" as long as it does a good job of playing scratched disc? With all due respect, that doesn't exactly sound like a ringing endorsement. Actually I am looking to part with my beloved Bryston, in fact, it's listed on this very site at the time of this writing. I was hoping that maybe just this once, there was something to all the hype surrounding the Oppo. That it actually was a true giant killer and that just maybe, after twenty plus years of cd player technology, we had progressed to the point of allowing for a low cost, audiophile grade component to actually exist. For a minute there, my faith had me a bit excited about all the buzz, which in fact prompted the thread. Unfortunately however, my hopes have been dashed, because that's not what I'm hearing from Oppo owners. what I'm hearing instead, is that the Oppo is a great video piece with a whole slew of cool digital features and flexibility that happens to also play cds, almost as an afterthought, with the suggestion that while they really enjoy their Oppo, it does not compare to the best dedicated audiophile digital sources out there, e,g, Ayre, Esoteric. Cary, Copland, etc. Which for my needs and point of view, pretty much excludes the Oppo from consideration as a serious cd player. Thanks again, Jayh31 jayh31 |
Ok db, I'll give it up. I guess I kept hoping to hear something that would help convince me that the Oppo was worth a shot as a stand alone cd player, but alas, I didn't. You're right, enough is enough. Thanks for the Emotive tip Harri009, I've read some very positive reviews regarding that whole line, however, I think I've decided to take the plunge with what I'm afraid may have a very good shot at becoming my new fetish, the new Copland CDA 825. Thanks again to all. Jay |
Statman,
I'm certain I've purchased literately hundreds of cds over the years and I can honestly recall on only one occasion, (for some inexplicable reason) that a disc has not played in any player I've owned, so the error correction issue for me is of no real concern. Statman you are absolutely correct, I have not tried the Oppo and I would agree that by virtue of that simple fact, I really don't know enough about what the Oppo has to offer to have a real opinion. However, the reason I may sound so incredulous is that based on what I keep reading, people are buying the Oppo for it's video prowess first, which make no mistake about it, is a very different approach to the overall design of a components sound. Home theatre products are built to effectively recreate sound effects, not a realistic music experience, a very different requirement indeed. Which is probably why so many Oppo owners find themselves seeking out modification options, I'm assuming all in an effort to improve it's audio capabilities. |
Thanks Harri009 abreciate Esoteric/Ayre comparison detail and yes, you are correct in that I am looking for a player that is unrivaled or at least an obvious audible step up from my Bryston, which would be no small task as that is a very good unit. Again, I am "old school" in my approach to this hobby as I believe that video, (especially surround) and hi end audio are mutually exclusive. Two completely different experiences that I don't combine. Not interested in sub woofers or venturing into the computer arena. I believe that the cd format is still very viable. The source I'm looking for would need to first and foremost be able to be outstanding with red book, SACD capability would be a plus but not necessary. Very interesting that you have had experience with the Oppo and direct comparison between those units many consider to be the standard and find the Oppo to be very good for the money, (there's that disclaimer again) but there are based on your experience and ears, better and less expensive cd only options available. Good thread fellas, appreciate everyones two cents. Jay |
Lmacuuga, just to be sure I'm clear, your friend bought the Oppo BD-95/105 it solely based on it's two channel cd capability? What source prior to the Oppo? |
