Data point on Oppo BD83 as a CDP

BobC · « **on:** 3 Apr 2009, 07:11 pm »

I'm lucky enough to participate in the Oppo Early Adoption Program for the forthcoming BD83.

I compared the CD playback of the BD83 with my current Arcam DV78. The Arcam is primarily a DVD player, but also an excellent CD player. Retail about $1000 about 5 years ago.

Both were connected to my Odyssey Audio Candela line stage. Both were playing the same disc (2 copies of Dave Mathews - Under the Table and Dreaming) so just switched between the inputs.

The Oppo sounded very nice. Articulate, clear, nice imaging. More bright vs the Arcam (maybe will change with break in). However the Arcam clearly out classed the Oppo with respect to soundstage width and more dramatically depth. Also the bass was deeper / tighter. Wasn't even close.

Sorry, I'm not a professional reviewer with all the flowery language, but basically the Oppo sounded 2D and the Arcam sounded 3D. (my ears and my system and without break in).

So I plan to keep the Arcam for a while for CD play. Will probably give the Oppo a chance to break in a little and reassess. Unless I hear a dramatic improvement, I'll probably sell the Arcam and look for a good external stereo DAC to pair with the Oppo.

Hopefully some of you will find these observations of use.

Thanks, Bob

mcullinan · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 07:32 pm »

Bob, Let it break in for a while and then give your impressions again.
Thnx
Mike

zybar · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 08:09 pm »

Thanks Bob.

I must say, it is disappointing to hear that the new Oppo can't better a 5 year old Arcam DVD player.

To my ears, my current Oppo DVD player sounds better than my 6-7 year old Pioneer Elite DVD player (which was over $1k new at the time), so I am really curious how/why the newest Oppo falls so short.

George

maxwalrath · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 08:27 pm »

When I contacted Oppo about a combo player primarily for cd use, they steered me towards their cheapest model, saying it had the best sound in the line. Maybe this player isn't meant to a great stand-alone cdp?

BobC · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 08:32 pm »

Well, like I said...this was straight out of the box and the Arcam wasn't, of course.

I'll give it some time and then re-think.

I'm pulling for the Oppo only solution...because it'll save the cost of a DAC or free up space on the shelf. But gotta let the ears decide.

If it's a wash then may wind up with a DAC anyway to allow for a network solution. Oppo has USB so can connect an external HD, but has limited codec support. If they get around to FLAC then I'll be really happy!

mcullinan · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Apr 2009, 08:33 pm »

Does it support AVI? I hope so...
Mike

BobC · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Apr 2009, 12:56 am »

I dont think AVI is supported.

There is an extensive discussion thread at avsforum.com

Here's a link to a FAQ

http://watershade.net/wmcclain/BDP-83-faq.html

dvenardos · « **Reply #7 on:** 4 Apr 2009, 01:36 am »

Bob,
How about the 7.1 outputs of the Oppo for SACD and movies? I currently use the Channel Islands VDA-2 for a two channel DAC and couldn't recommend it enough.

Thanks,
Don

BobC · « **Reply #8 on:** 4 Apr 2009, 02:09 am »

Sorry, right now all I have is my 2ch pre-amp. Hope to get a AVR soon though.

dvenardos · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Apr 2009, 02:40 am »

Before you do, take a look at this post

:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=64641.0

BobC · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Apr 2009, 12:44 pm »

Quote from: dvenardos on 4 Apr 2009, 02:40 am

Before you do, take a look at this post :
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=64641.0

So, if I were to use a multi-channel pre, like the ones listed in the above post...what is the drawback versus a HT receiver? Thinking I could use the multi-channel analog outs from the BR player straight into the multi-pre and send the video straight to the projector. The BD83 allows you to adjust speaker level and timing and will perform all of the processing...so I guess it would work. I don't think my cable box has multi-analog outs, so I'd be limiting the TV to stereo and would have to either purchase an HDMI switcher or keep my current component cable for TV and switch at the projector. Plus would need amplification for the center / surrounds. Hmm.

Really like my Odyssey Candela though. Not really a good time to sell used equipment and the options available are way outside of my budget.

BobC · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Apr 2009, 12:56 pm »

Quick update on the CD performance...

Had some time to play around with the BD83. It's got a little more break-in, but not nearly enough. Haven't noticed any improvement due to break-in.

However I did play around with the setup. Made sure I was set to 2 CH only, and switched off all of the other processing, including using the "pure audio" button. Spent a long time pressing the "pure audio" button on / off and I did notice a slight improvement.

The Oppo is pretty good, but the Arcam still clearly wins. Who knows, it may just be my familiarity with the Arcam and another person may think differently.

I'll give it some more time and report back.

dvenardos · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Apr 2009, 04:57 pm »

Quote from: BobC on 7 Apr 2009, 12:44 pm

Quote from: dvenardos on 4 Apr 2009, 02:40 am
Before you do, take a look at this post :
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=64641.0

So, if I were to use a multi-channel pre, like the ones listed in the above post...what is the drawback versus a HT receiver? Thinking I could use the multi-channel analog outs from the BR player straight into the multi-pre and send the video straight to the projector. The BD83 allows you to adjust speaker level and timing and will perform all of the processing...so I guess it would work. I don't think my cable box has multi-analog outs, so I'd be limiting the TV to stereo and would have to either purchase an HDMI switcher or keep my current component cable for TV and switch at the projector. Plus would need amplification for the center / surrounds. Hmm.

Really like my Odyssey Candela though. Not really a good time to sell used equipment and the options available are way outside of my budget.

Sounds like you have got it nailed. The only "drawback" is that you are going against the grain. Almost everyone has bought into the do everything AVR and that it is "better" to send the signal digitally to the AVR and have it do the decoding. Bottom line is that you either pay for a good DAC in the AVR or in the dvd player and often times people are paying for both and only using one. With the Oppo that you have the mulit-channel analog outputs are supposed to be very good, designed in consultation with Nuforce.

zybar · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Apr 2009, 05:37 pm »

Quote from: BobC on 7 Apr 2009, 12:56 pm

Quick update on the CD performance...

Had some time to play around with the BD83. It's got a little more break-in, but not nearly enough. Haven't noticed any improvement due to break-in.

However I did play around with the setup. Made sure I was set to 2 CH only, and switched off all of the other processing, including using the "pure audio" button. Spent a long time pressing the "pure audio" button on / off and I did notice a slight improvement.

The Oppo is pretty good, but the Arcam still clearly wins. Who knows, it may just be my familiarity with the Arcam and another person may think differently.

I'll give it some more time and report back.

Thanks for the update Bob.

I truly hope you are in the minority in terms of your assessment.

George

adydula · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Apr 2009, 06:41 pm »

Hello,

I have the BD 83 for 3+ weeks and have a set of SALK SongTowers.

I compared the 2 CH analog out to a DENON DCD 3300 CD deck , real vintage 1990's but back then it was a $2K box.

The 83 to my ears is pretty nice. I compared to other contemporary cd players like Toshiba A35, and an older Sony as well.

The analog section according to my phone converstations with Oppo is they spent a lot of time to make the 2 ch section pretty good.

The mentioned isolated sections, seperate voltage rails etc.

I compared the 2 ch analog out to the HDMI out, using my Onkyo 805 DACS vs the 83's and I prefer the DACS in the 83.

All in all I think this player will satisfy all but the real hard edged audiophile...or those with a system that is really high enough in calibre to be able to actually
be able to tell the difference etc..

Its a real solid (11pound) player that does well with CD and the other stuff it was designed for.

I see no real reason to buy a high dollar cd player with what I have at the moment...

I would like to be able to compare with some other cd players to see if it really makes! ( at least to my ears).

Alex

dvenardos · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Apr 2009, 03:50 am »

Quote from: zybar on 7 Apr 2009, 05:37 pm

I truly hope you are in the minority in terms of your assessment.

Considering that he is comparing to a $1,000 unit the Oppo is doing pretty well.

zybar · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Apr 2009, 12:27 pm »

Quote from: dvenardos on 8 Apr 2009, 03:50 am

Quote from: zybar on 7 Apr 2009, 05:37 pm
I truly hope you are in the minority in terms of your assessment.

Considering that he is comparing to a $1,000 unit the Oppo is doing pretty well.

I'm sorry, I don't consider that doing well.

When you consider how much digital technology has evolved in the last 5+ years, this is still very disappointing. As I mentioned previously, my under $200 Oppo dvd player bests digital sources that cost $1k or more 5+ years ago to my ears.

George

BobC · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Apr 2009, 08:06 pm »

Again...the usual disclaimers...

...my ears, my system, not yet broken in....and I'm familiar with / enjoy the sound of the Arcam...blah, blah, blah

Doesn't mean the Oppo isn't good because it does in fact sound very nice...however the Arcam sounds very good to me.

If I had to make a decision today (which I don't), it would be worth the lost opportunity cost (maybe $350 I'd get be selling the Arcam) to keep the Arcam only for CD playback.

If the Oppo breaks in more and the gap closes then the opportunity costs begin to influence. If I can find a good external DAC that beats the Arcam without a huge cost then I'll have to give that consideration too.

BTW, regardless of the CD performance...the Oppo is a steal (when released) as a BR / DVD at $500. Add the good quality CD performance and the bonus of SACD / DVDA and it's a no-brainer. So get one for that reason alone and if it replaces your CDP then you're that much better off

It just hasn't replaced my Arcam, yet

dvenardos · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Apr 2009, 09:46 pm »

Don't know what you consider reasonable, but I absolutely love the CI VDA-2. I got a great deal on the one that musicdirect used for their catalog pictures.
http://www.ciaudio.com/

Bill@LakeGeorge · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Apr 2009, 04:11 am »

I had the Oppo 983-H in my rack prior to the BDP-83 and the 83 beats it hands down for both audio and video.