blu ray player recommendation

Magnus · « **on:** 16 Aug 2013, 03:45 am »

Hello!
I have a fine Marantz CD/DVD/SACD player from several years back that a friend passed along to me when he made the jump to Blu-Ray. I was hesitant to follow suit because I wasn't psyched about re-purchasing movies I already owned. However, now that there are many classical music videos on Blu-Ray, I'm starting to change my tune. So, I think I'm ready to get something. However, I have a system that I really don't want to re-invent to accommodate a Blu-Ray.

I'm looking for a recommendation for a good quality Blu-Ray that still has two channels outputs so I don't have to give up my reliable Rega Brio or perfectly watchable Sony Trinitron. I'd like to avoid Big Box Junk, but would welcome any insights...whether it's an older or newer unit. I have to tread carefully so my wife doesn't murder me over what she would deem an unnecessary expense. So while I am willing to pass up rock bottom POS, I can't get some of the units that run for $500-$1000 or more.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Sincerely,
Steven

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 04:11 am »

No text.

Vapor Audio · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 04:26 am »

Under $500? Oppo BDP-93, or for a few bucks less a BDP-83SE ... no need to look at anything else.

Photon46 · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 11:10 am »

I researched this same issue myself and decided if all I cared about was excellent video and a two channel audio out ( a vanishing feature) there wasn't any need to spend what the Oppo cost. Sony's top of line BluRay player BDP-S790 cost me half of what Oppo's cheapest offering costs and delivers everything I could ask for in basic A/V playback. Its video and audio quality left me shaking my head in disbelief at what $259 could buy today. Yeah, I feel a little cheap buying a Big Box mass market machine, but Sony's ability to deliver economy of scale pricing isn't always a bad thing for the consumer. If you have to own an Audiophile approved brand, go for the Oppo!

2gumby2 · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 12:35 pm »

You made a good choice on the Sony. I have the 770 model and I've been VERY happy with it. It was easy to set up and the 2-channel audio performance is excellent.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 12:42 pm »

Another vote here for the Oppo. They provide both excellent performance and service. Hard to beat that.

Mudslide · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 12:58 pm »

I find it REALLY hard to differentiate any audio or video performance capabilities between the Oppo 93 we had here for a few months and our Panasonic BD-85. The Oppo booted up faster was all I could detect. Perhaps I'm not a critical enough listener, but the 2-channel performance was, without running serious A/B testing, identical. The Oppos, of course, have more highly touted DAC's.

The only differences? The Panny won't play SACD's. The Oppo has only 2-channel analog outs. The Panny has 7(.1). And of course, the Panny is less than half the price of the Oppo.

Tough choice.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 01:04 pm »

I hear you. For me, I have well over 100 SACD's, so that is a big deal to me. Also, Oppo will fix their units even well after the warranty expires. Their analog audio out is top shelf as well.

Bob2 · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 01:23 pm »

Oppo, great machine and unbeatable customer service!

oledude · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 01:58 pm »

For me it is so easy to recommend the Oppo. They are great units and truly universal players. The new 10x series offer so many digital connection options that let you expand you system in the future should you desire. I have a modified 83 SE and it is a perfect player. So sell your Marantz, put the funds toward a new or used Oppo, keep everyone happy with your new purchase, and invite your generous friend over for a nice dinner and an evening of classical music on Bluray.

Magnus · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Aug 2013, 02:13 pm »

Quote from: oledude on 16 Aug 2013, 01:58 pm

For me it is so easy to recommend the Oppo. They are great units and truly universal players. The new 10x series offer so many digital connection options that let you expand you system in the future should you desire. I have a modified 83 SE and it is a perfect player. So sell your Marantz, put the funds toward a new or used Oppo, keep everyone happy with your new purchase, and invite your generous friend over for a nice dinner and an evening of classical music on Bluray.

Well, said. I think that's been an attractive idea in the back of my mind. If I sold the Marantz and used those funds to defray the cost of an Oppo, I'd everything in one unit. But I'm glad I have a few good models to choose from, thanks to recommendations. I should probably think long term, the the Oppo units sound like keepers.

Although there might still be some excellent points to be made, thank you to everyone for what's been said so far.

Sincerely,
Steven

daves · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Aug 2013, 01:39 pm »

Magnus, if you are thinking of selling the Marantz, please let me know.

dcbingaman · « **Reply #12 on:** 24 Aug 2013, 02:35 am »

Oppo BDP-95. You can get one for less $$ since a lot of people are trading up to the BDP-105. Great player.

trackeral10 · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 Sep 2013, 07:01 pm »

ANOTHER VOTE FOR OPPO. I HAVE SOLD A BUNCH OF OPPO PLAYERS TO PEOPLE WHO'S SYSTEMS RANGE FROM SUPER HIGH END TO ENTRY LEVEL HOME THEATER AND THEY HAVE ALL BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THE OPPO. THE RELIABILITY OF THE OPPO PLAYERS IS EXCEPTIONAL. SOME OF THESE PLAYERS ARE GETTING OLD AND GET ABUSED ON A REGULAR BASIS ( 6 KIDS,4 DOGS,2 CATS IN THE HOUSE-YOU GET THE PICTURE) AND I HAVE YET TO GET ONE BACK FOR REPAIR. I WISH I COULD SAY THAT ABOUT SOME OF THE HIGHER END UNIVERSAL PLAYERS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH HERE BUT I CAN'T. HOW GOOD IS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OPPO PLAYERS? OUTSIDE OF PERSONAL OPINIONS THERE ARE TWO THINGS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES ABOUT HOW GOOD THE OPPO'S ARE (1) A $500.00 OPPO BD-83 WAS REBADGED BY LEXICON AND BEING SOLD FOR $3,500.00 (2) AT THE SHOWS AND CONVENTIONS SOME OF THE SUPER HIGH END MANUFACTURES USE OPPO'S FOR THERE SOURCE COMPONENT. OPPO IS MY GO TO RECOMMENDATION TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A UNIVERSAL PLAYER.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #14 on:** 16 Sep 2013, 01:04 am »

Hello Al. Welcome to GAS.

trackeral10 · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 Sep 2013, 03:33 pm »

THANKS BOB. I AM AS EXCITED AS A FEMALE DOG WITH A LITTER OF NEW PUPS TO FINALLY BE ON HERE AND PROUD TO BE THE TOKEN REDNECK OF THE GROUP- HEY! YOU GUYS MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET SOME FEDERAL FUNDING NOW, UNDER THE STATUTE OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT ALLOW MENTALLY AND SOCIALLY CHALLENGED REDNECKS TO BE MEMBERS. I EXTEND AN OPEN INVITATION TO YOU OR ANY OF THE GANG TO COME OVER AND LISTEN TO SOME EQUIPMENT, I USUALLY HAVE ALOT OF THINGS HANGING AROUND THAT MAKE MUSIC- TURKEY CALLS- DEER CALLS- ELK CALLS- DUCK CALLS AND THEN I HAVE SOME OF THAT THERE NEW HIGHFALUTIN ELECTRONIC MUSIC MAKING STUFF WE CAN LISTEN TO TOO- IT'S GREAT STUFF! I PUT THE SPEAKERS OUTSIDE AND TURN IT UP REAL LOUD AND THE WHOLE BACK YARD WILL BE FULL OF DUCKS IN NO TIME! ON TIME WE HAD SOME SPEAKERS THAT WERE SO LOUD WE CALLED IN A ELK ALL THE WAY FROM COLORADO. JUST CALL ME AHEAD OF TIME AND BEFORE YOU COME OR ELSE YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HELP SKIN A DEER OR A HOG OR SOMETHING. THANKS AGAIN

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #16 on:** 21 Sep 2013, 02:32 pm »

I read that without taking a breath, like the entire thing was a single sentence.

Good to have you Al, glad you joined in.

Bob

p.s. Now that you have a couple posts, you won't have to wait for me to approve them. Sorry it took me so long on that one.

Scott F. · « **Reply #17 on:** 21 Sep 2013, 03:38 pm »

Hey Albert! Welcome aboard!

Sure hope you're NOT AS LOUD out in the woods as you are on a keyboard (hint, turn off the CAPS LOCK).

KenSeger · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Sep 2013, 04:57 pm »

Al,
Welcome to the group of crazies here. You'll fit in just fine. You don't sound like you live in the central west end. But I don't see you on the Genuine Really Official G.A.S. Map[tm].
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101266.0
Stick in a pin and join in.
So, whatcha got for Hi-Fi? Post some pix and stats in your Profile.
Ken

jarcher · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Sep 2013, 05:06 pm »

Not GAS (MAAC) - but will throw in my 2 cents worth.

Specifically because you want it to for 2 channel audio playback & potentially upconversion of DVDs if you decide to go one day to an HD set, I'd also second the oppo recomendation because they are good on both fronts. Specifically a 95 model, though the 105 would be best - but seems like both may be out of your price range. Even a 95 used is likely to be pricey and you'll have to be super quick on the draw as they are in demand. Likely $600 - $700.

I will say in MY case where the blu ray player is just a transport w/ my Marantz processor doing the video + audio, there's no need for a fancy blu ray player - and I went high end at all other parts of the chain. I've been using and fond of Panasonic blu ray players because they load fast and are reliable. I bought the bottom basement one some three years ago and use it frequently and it works great.

Just for arguments sake, consider the following from Panasonic BDT500 as an alternative to Oppo :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=844087&is=REG&A=details&Q=

It should have really good 2 channel sound + all the other bells & whistles you need & save you some $ over an Oppo. It cost double what an entry level panasonic blu ray player would, but it's analog section w/ it's Burr Brown DAC's and upgraded caps should sound a lot better - and around $270 delivered is still reasonably priced.

It probably doesn't do SACD though, if that's important to you then the Oppo 103 is probably the best choice. I'd argue that the Panasonic BDT500 will more than competitive for 2 channel sound @ almost half the cost. I've honestly been stunned how good even my lowly Panasonic home theater in a box sounds.