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Use or sell/replace Oppo UDP-203?

I bought and intended to unbox a UDP-203 in the summer of 2017 and then Hurricane Harvey happened.  We have been treading water since then, but are about to move back into a permanent (larger) residence, where I will be able to again set up a AV area.  But, we never really had a DVD/BR collection, the world has changed, and I don't really see us again using a player for physical video discs.  On the other hand, I have a nice CD collection and foresee upgraded streaming audio in the future.  Initially, listening (and theater) will be via a Cambridge Audio CRX120, but I am open to adding an integrated amp and DAC/streaming device for 2 channel audio.  I should probably add that I am old, getting lazy, and the hearing isn't what it used to be - I can foresee eventually moving on from CDs and just streaming (especially if Spotify would ever get their high-res act together).

So, what to do?  Should I unbox the new Oppo and use it for CDs, or better to sell it for its current inflated value, and use the money for a CD player and/or streaming device?  If the latter, equipment suggestions are appreciated.  TIA. 

128x128bgmanne
elliottbnewcombjr
5,363 posts
 

Prior to the xa5400ES, I researched, went thru 9 models, found two very nice sounding players, quite in-expensive, that would give you your existing CDs back.

Onkyo Integra CDC-3.4 II, CD's only, (serial number with M is Mark II)

new one with warranty, 

 

Perhaps for you, DVDs/SACDs/CDs, this Denon DVD-2910 also sounds very nice.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165463883680?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=051e517a-d449-11ec-b2c2-393539633535 the search, the whole story https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/better-cd-sound-the-search
mahler123
3,318 posts
 

Well it sounds like the OP doesn’t particularly need the 203, which has many capabilities.  He can definitely get a good price and use the money elsewhere 

manorsessions's avatar
manorsessions
8 posts
 

I have two Oppo 203's and they are awesome and were ridiculous value when new. If you're not playing SACD's or 4k movies I'd personally sell it and get a great CD player or streamer. 

My 203 in my theatre room started playing up the other week so I bought one of the new Reavon x110 universal players. I went through 3 of them in a week, first one the transport fell apart after 2 disks, the second one showed bloches of black and white throughout movies. The third one would lock up, freeze and require having the cable unplugged to get it to start again. And they were all noisy as hell. Absolute junk and nearly twice the price of the Oppo 203 when new. I'm now getting the Oppo fixed to sell and buying the Panasonic 9000 player.

manorsessions's avatar
manorsessions
8 posts
 

I have two Oppo 203's and they are awesome and were ridiculous value when new. If you're not playing SACD's or 4k movies I'd personally sell it and get a great CD player or streamer. 

My 203 in my theatre room started playing up the other week so I bought one of the new Reavon x110 universal players. I went through 3 of them in a week, first one the transport fell apart after 2 disks, the second one showed bloches of black and white throughout movies. The third one would lock up, freeze and require having the cable unplugged to get it to start again. And they were all noisy as hell. Absolute junk and nearly twice the price of the Oppo 203 when new. I'm now getting the Oppo fixed to sell and buying the Panasonic 9000 player.

jmeyers's avatar
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jmeyers
163 posts
 

I have an Oppo 203, which I bought when this model was first released. I use it exclusively — as a transport — to play multi-channel SACDs and movies (4K and Blu-ray). For both audio and video, it does a superb job. Moreover, its flexibility in customized settings is unmatched. I urge you to keep and use it — for today and the future.

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