Oppo 95: Low Output via Stereo RCAs


I just purchased the Oppo 95 in apparently excellent condition.

Firmware: BDP9x-82-1009

I set Audio Settings to HDMI off, 192KHz on, Stereo Signal downmixed, Dynamic Range Control on, Output variable on.

But the output of my ancient but trusty JVC XV-NA70BK DVD player is much louder than the Oppo-even with the 95’s variable output set to maximum.

The Oppo’s analog RCA outs are 2.1V; the JVC’s are 2.0V into 10K ohms. My amplifier’s input impedance is 10K ohms but I have to crank its volume up high when using the Oppo. The JVC’s stereo outputs are much higher to ever need to do that.

Neither "output impedance" nor "output resistance" appears in the JVC owners manual nor the service manual.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1293783/Jvc-Xv-Na77sl.html

However, notice that in the service manual’s table of contents that the schematic diagram which should have been between p. 2 and 8 are omitted. Analyzing and comparing the JVC and Oppo analog output circuitry could have explained why the JVC output was so much louder.

Oppo service support thanked me for the info but could offer no explanation.

Source Material:  

 https://www.target.com/p/bad-day-at-black-rock-dvd/-/A-53643785

https://www.amazon.com/Stoney-Burke-Complete-Jack-Lord/dp/B00AX5B0RY0

https://www.amazon.com/Single-Man-Blu-ray-Colin-Firth/dp/B002VECLVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8GH94M6G2MM8&keywords=a+single+man+blu+ray&qid=1578273342&s=movies-tv&sprefix=single+man+blu%2Cmovies-tv%2C189&sr=1-1

This probably has nothing to do with the problem but the first two discs only have Dolby Digital audio while the other only has DTS-HD MA. But while the former audio format is lossy and the latter lossless and sounded more dynamic, it certainly shouldn’t and didn’t effect output level.

Please advise 

ajant
... Dynamic Range Control on

While generally speaking I would expect having a DRC function turned on would increase perceived average volume, rather than decrease it, if you already haven't I think it would be worthwhile to see what happens to the volume when it is turned off.

Regards,
-- Al
  
Dynamic Range Control actually compresses the peak of the waveforms, so that things like explosions, bass hits and effects are quieter than normal.  The idea is to present good vocal dialog but without really loud sound during intense scenes (such as a "TV night time mode" when everyone else is sleeping, lol).  This can actually affect music playback as well.
....I am sure you checked to make sure the volume on the Oppo is at 100.  A few times on my 205 I had the volume on the Oppo turned down because I was driving my amp directly.  When mated with a pre-amp or integrated the volume was super low because I forgot to reset the volume to 100...
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Yes, I connected only the stereo not the surround outs. And only my preamp not the power amp has attenuators, which, with the JVC player I almost never had to turn any higher or lower. Regarding DRC I don't recall it making much of a difference either on or off with the "Bad Day at Black Rock" DVD; both the music and dialogue levels seemed too low. But I will compare the audio again on this disc with DRC on & off.