OPPO 103/105 purchase

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erniek

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OPPO 103/105 purchase
« on: 11 Jan 2016, 09:17 pm »
I know there are a lot of discussions regarding the value of these players but I do not seem to find an answer for how I would go about choosing one or the other.

My intended use is for mostly 2 channel music (FLAC files) to be streamed digitally from an attached HD and to watch video concerts and you tube music video. I already have a great 2 channel amp/preamp and a DAC. I am trying to find a way of justifying the 105 but at such a price difference from the 103 it seems the 105 might be overkill for my use seeing that I already have a DAC.
Would appreciate some comments one way or the other on which one to choose.

RDavidson

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #1 on: 11 Jan 2016, 09:24 pm »
You said it yourself. Unless you're going to use the onboard DAC or discrete 2-channel outputs of the 105, then get the 103. :wink: I think Oppo, themselves, have said as much. Save the $ for music purchases. The 103 is a quite capable machine.

screener

Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #2 on: 11 Jan 2016, 09:46 pm »
^^^^

Those are my thoughts also.

jab

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #3 on: 11 Jan 2016, 09:59 pm »
Anyone know if Oppo is planning the release of a replacement or additional model with upgraded video, to the 103D/105D?

Phil A

Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #4 on: 11 Jan 2016, 10:10 pm »
Anyone know if Oppo is planning the release of a replacement or additional model with upgraded video, to the 103D/105D?

From what I've heard it will be in the latter part of 2016

Mike Nomad

Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #5 on: 11 Jan 2016, 10:12 pm »
Having just purchased a 105D, The dedicated stereo circuit analog out and DAC inputs are the main reasons to go with the 105. Sound like you already have that sorted with your system. Save your money, get a 103.

Phil A

Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #6 on: 11 Jan 2016, 10:13 pm »
^^^^

Those are my thoughts also.

Another vote for that.  I have two 103Ds.  One in the main system (which is an integrated AV system where I have a nice DAC and a music server) which is only used for video.  In one back-up system (also an integrated AV system), I have a hard drive attached with various files, including DSD and multi-channel DSD.  I don't use it tons for audio and at some point when I upgrade something in another system, it will likely end up with a DAC and a player in there (not that the 103D is terrible, it is OK but certainly not at the level of a decent outboard DAC).

mlundy57

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #7 on: 12 Jan 2016, 04:21 am »
I agree with everybody else. I have both 103D's and a 105D. I now have a better stand alone DAC than the one in the 105D so the extra $600 for the 105D is basically down the tubes (the difference is $600 whether between the 103/105 or 103D/105D).

Get the 103, spend the $600 on something else you want.

Mike

jwes

Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #8 on: 12 Jan 2016, 04:33 am »
Oppo today told me no more streaming updates for 105D because releasing a 4K disc player later this year and will retire the current line.  Just one guy on the phone but may want to check.

erniek

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #9 on: 13 Jan 2016, 07:25 pm »
Thanks for all the responses. I ended up purchasing the 103. I like the idea of using a separate DAC with it.

Starchild

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #10 on: 17 Jan 2016, 04:13 pm »
Thanks for all the responses. I ended up purchasing the 103. I like the idea of using a separate DAC with it.

The 103 works fine as a transport connected to a dac.  However, since it lacks an asynchronous USB, it leaves a lot to be desired as a digital renderer (usb to spdif converter) connected to a computer.  So I would temper my expectations depending on what  I was going to use it for.  Don't get me wrong, its a great machine but it's primary functions are for video.  I have taken my 103 out of my main system and put it now happily resides in the A/V system in the den.   

mresseguie

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #11 on: 17 Jan 2016, 04:41 pm »
Oppo today told me no more streaming updates for 105D because releasing a 4K disc player later this year and will retire the current line.  Just one guy on the phone but may want to check.

Ooh! Do I smell the potential for fire sale prices on the older line? Shh. Don't tell anyone!

Erniek,

Congratulations on your new 103 purchase. I suspect you'll be pretty happy with it plus you saved $600.  :thumb:

RDavidson

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #12 on: 17 Jan 2016, 06:49 pm »
Yeah.....I don't think Oppo, historically, has ever really had a sale. Even with the introduction of new machines, their old models are still desireable and hold their value. I mean, one can get a blue ray player today for $100, and yet Oppo still doesn't bend. They don't need to. At this point (lack of 4k discs) a 4k machine would be an addition to the line, not really a replacement.

erniek

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #13 on: 19 Jan 2016, 07:50 pm »
I did not realize about the asynchronous USB missing from the 103. If I use an external DAC will this be an issue with sound quality? I already have listened to the unit once and it sounds different than my old AMC CD9 player, somewhat veiled but tighter musically.

RDavidson

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #14 on: 19 Jan 2016, 09:01 pm »
No. And it was really a moot thing to point this out. Asynchronous USB is only applicable to the 105, because the 105 is designed to be used as a DAC......which is pretty much the entire reason one would choose the 105 over the 103. Asynchronous USB has absolutely ZERO bearing on the 103's use as a transport (hooked up to an external DAC via SPDIF or toslink). If you want to get into computer audio, either your DAC would have an asynchronous USB input built in, or you can always buy an asynchronous USB to SPDIF converter.
Even then, an asynchronous USB input isn't a requirement BUT it helps greatly reduce jitter.
For $600 I'd get an Auralic Aries Mini for computer audio vs use an Oppo 105.

Chuckyma

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #15 on: 21 Jan 2016, 04:10 am »
Sorry if this is thread jacking.  I have a 103 and a standalone DAC.   In your opinion do you guys think the Acram rDac(silver one) is a better DAC compared to the one in the 103?  I wanted to get some opinions because I'm trying to make up my mind to either get rid of the DAC or keep it.

erniek

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #16 on: 22 Jan 2016, 07:21 pm »
What is you opinion on how it sounds with or without the DAC?

Chuckyma

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #17 on: 23 Jan 2016, 02:25 am »
To me it sounds less detailed without the Dac.

erniek

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #18 on: 2 Feb 2016, 07:04 pm »
What output connection is best for use out of the 103 for digital?

The Rang

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Re: OPPO 103/105 purchase
« Reply #19 on: 3 Feb 2016, 02:56 am »
I agree with most others here......if you have a good DAC then go with the 103.
In fact I wouldn't even bother with the "D" unless you plan to use it as a video player (and even then I'm not convinced the "D" is worth the extra dough....but I'm drifting off topic on that point).

I'm assuming the new Oppos will be 4K.
Wonder what audio improvements/upgrades they'll offer?