I'm reading this thread with great interest. I just ordered an Oppo UDP 205. After 40 years of doing this as a hobby I've come to two conclusions. Money doesn't necessarily get you better sound and to that end, no matter who reviews what, trust your own ears above all.
I got sick of seeing all these major audiophile brands spend fortunes on advertising knowing somewhere along the way I'm actually paying for all of that. I had Don Sachs build me an amp and pre amp. They're not cheap by any means. The combo cost me more than $5,000 but for what I got I consider these pieces a steal. I'm having a pair of single driver speakers built using Common Sense Audio's Super AlNico 15" drivers. The cabinets are being designed by Chris Stanfill who's training is in engineering and has a severe disdain for "snake oil". Cabling is Duelund tinned copper in an oil cloth casing. I made my own IC's and am running 16 ga direct from the binding posts to the terminals on the back of a loaner pair of KEF LS50s. No bi wiring or jumpers needed. I replaced AQ cables that cost 20x the price and the Duelunds kick the crap out of them in my opinion.
I applied the same philosophy I do to fine wine. Any idiot can write a check. It takes a great palate to find a truly stunning bottle of wine at a sane price. Same goes for my ears and what sounds good to me.
I got sick of seeing all these major audiophile brands spend fortunes on advertising knowing somewhere along the way I'm actually paying for all of that. I had Don Sachs build me an amp and pre amp. They're not cheap by any means. The combo cost me more than $5,000 but for what I got I consider these pieces a steal. I'm having a pair of single driver speakers built using Common Sense Audio's Super AlNico 15" drivers. The cabinets are being designed by Chris Stanfill who's training is in engineering and has a severe disdain for "snake oil". Cabling is Duelund tinned copper in an oil cloth casing. I made my own IC's and am running 16 ga direct from the binding posts to the terminals on the back of a loaner pair of KEF LS50s. No bi wiring or jumpers needed. I replaced AQ cables that cost 20x the price and the Duelunds kick the crap out of them in my opinion.
I applied the same philosophy I do to fine wine. Any idiot can write a check. It takes a great palate to find a truly stunning bottle of wine at a sane price. Same goes for my ears and what sounds good to me.