Oppo Vs Esoteric

The Oppo UDP-205 is an **absolutely essential** piece of gear in any serious A/V system, regardless of how much better the Esoteric is.

My suggestion, buy both, a UDP-205 and whatever else.

@boneman73

'Brick Wall' is not the default filter. Mini Phase Fast is. If you have "settled" on brick wall that would be peculiar as that particular filter, unlike the other 6, is primarily a diagnostic use only setting.

Oppo ppl make a great machine but the other brands you mention are leagues ahead of it. Esoteric, Luxman, Bryston.

And how about for video?

I feel the need to repeat myself. The Oppo UDP-205 is an **absolutely essential** piece of gear in any serious A/V system, regardless of how much better any other brand is (from a CD/SACD only perspective and in keeping with the thread/OP question). My suggestion, buy both, a UDP-205 and whatever else.

Besides, it looks like a few DACs now-a-days have the HDMI option. So the Oppo can be used as a transport. I don't know of any other transport that has HDMI out for DACs like Bryston BDA-3, Holo or the Vinshine Denafrips DACs.

@milpai 

Not sure it will "work" the way you may be intending it too. You may want to start perusing the AVS forum thread related to the 205, call OPPO tech support and/or read the manual. For your convenience, I've included the links herein.

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/149-blu-ray-players/2821841-official-oppo-udp-205-uhd-blu-ray-player-o....

https://www.oppodigital.com/ContactUs.aspx

http://download.oppodigital.com/UDP20X/UDP-205_User_Manual_English_V1.0.0.pdf

@boneman73

You're welcome!

Yeah, I'm unable to speak to what the filter was set to on your particular unit. To be clear, I'm merely stating that according to the manual, mini-phase fast is the default. As to "brick wall" being a diagnostic setting, note that Oppo makes no claims whatsoever regarding what each filter does or is supposed to do. Upon doing my own Internet research and overall do diligence, I have concluded that brick wall  is a diagnostic setting. However, of course you or someone else could prefer the sound when using the brick wall filter, and if that is the case by all means do so.

I agree with you that any of the filter settings are subtle. I'm happy to understand you did some level of research and/or listening on your own to arrive at the filter setting you currently like. :)

I find it strange - I find this player a bit too smooth, even from day one.

@milpai 

First off, congratulations on obtaining your new Oppo.

I'm not exactly sure what "a bit too smooth" means to you, however, I did mention previously in this thread that regardless of how much "better" (or different) the Esoteric is, I must assume you purchased the Oppo for video as well. And if that is the case, you made the right choice.

And, while I'm sure you know this, you probably haven't time yet to "investigate" the DAC filter options. And they can and do tweak the sound. So presumably you can find one that sounds best to your ears.

And, if all else fails and you are dissatisfied, assuming you purchased the unit direct from Oppo, you can return it within 30 days.

Best of luck with it!

If you want to watch or listen economically, get the Oppo-205.

If you want to watch or listen well get the Oppo-205 and send it to Modwright.

Does Modwright do "anything" with the video? I thought their modifications were strictly audio related.

If you want to watch or listen economically, get the Oppo-205.

If you want to watch or listen well get the Oppo-205 and send it to Modwright.

As I thought, the modifications have nothing to do with video. Therefore, it's unclear the relevance/accuracy of the word "watch" in the aforementioned quotation. 

http://www.modwright.com/modifications/oppo-udp205-modification.php

@amg56

Sorry if it offends you, but yes, your statement is inaccurate.

Last time I checked the English dictionary, and given the context of this forum in particular, "watch" and "listen" are essentially synonymous with video and audio, respectively.

Even after your most recent post in response to mine, I'm still at a loss to understand you, however, frankly I'm no longer trying.

Your premise that the main gist of the thread is audio performance is also inaccurate. Again, I refer you to the English dictionary.

Also worth mentioning is that I've been posting in this thread for months, since its inception back in August/September 2017. I note you recently entered the fray. Nice of you to join, but from what I've read from you in particular it would seem you have nothing but opinion and incorrect information to offer. Opinion is fine. Incorrect information is not.

I've owned the Oppo 205 since day one of its public release. Trust me, I have right-of-passage.

"Some folks look for answers, Others look for fights". Presumably you'll understand the musical reference.

Regards to Video output effect. If the original AC is modded, which can still be done with mod right oppo then it should improve video (if even needed!).

Why?

Hi @atacgene

Thanks for your clarification.

Even an upgraded LPM wouldn’t necessarily have a noticeable effect on video. I’ve read from users who have purchased their own do-it-yourself modification, and have never read back that there was any video improvement. I’m writing of this one on particular http://www.oppomod.com/.

And yes, there certainly are others besides modwright that can and do perform modifications to the Oppo. While I never heard/read of ASI, I can call one to your attention here: http://www.oppovinculum.com/News.html

Note what they write about potential video upgrade:

"...we honestly prefer not to promise great improvements in the image for all users..."

Conversely, note what they write about potential audio upgrade:

"...we believe that we can guarantee that the majority of users with high-quality audio equipment will appreciate a clear improvement...

So they went from no promises (video) to guarantees (audio).

Additionally, a change of power supply *could have a negative effect*. For example, it could change the refresh rate, which might be discernible by the front LEDs being to bright, dim, or fluctuate in intensity. 

Oppo vs Esoteric ... I mean, it’s just not a fair fight.

Presumably, there are many who would agree. And again presumably, it's for this reason (or at least one reason) that Oppo owners seek to "modify" the stock unit. But they are two different animals. As the OP correctly points out the Oppo is a jack-of-all-trade whereas the Esoteric is master of one. And depending on what the fair fight is predicated on, the Oppo could very well come out on top :)

Ive never listen to or watched video performance of the $2,500 ModWright version of the 205 however I really enhanced my own 205 video with Symposium Roller Blocks 2plus and purchase of WireWorld platinum starlite HDMI Cable .

If I haven't already made myself clear that video is completely out of the equation where ModWright is concerned, kindly PM me so I can forward their email which reads:

"I can assure you 100% that the video will not be affected in any way. We only improve the 2CH Analog output otherwise the entire Oppo remains stock."