Oppo 203
 

I recently sold my PS Audio Directstream with Bridge and the PS Audio Memory Transport faster than I thought as I’m in the middle of an upgrade project, more later on that...

A recent listening session showed me that the HT speakers were having a negative influence in my sound.

So between that and my other plans I simplified my home theater by pulling the A/V and the 6 speakers plus the JL Sub F112 V2 that I’ll be listing and right now have the Oppo 203 serving as my DAC and Transport, a $500 component on a crazy cost system.

If I used the Oppo more than a dozen times one could easily say I was stretching the truth, I am extremely impressed.

I have Apple TV going into the Oppo HDMI in, and use the FL/FR RCA outputs with XLR adapters into my preamp since there is no RCA on my preamp. Since my primary server with no DAC is down, I connected Roon/Tidal from my secondary unit residing on a Mac Mini located in my mechanical room.

The RCA cables are mid-level Audioquest culled from the home theater, Power is Ansuz A2, Ethernet and Grounding are from Nordost.

Color me impressed, with more direct connections, simplified video watching that includes better sound and seems to be better screen resolution.

Previously, I never wanted my AV to have pass through control on my 2 channel, so I kept systems separate. Cutting out the A/V and using Oppo as the DAC and Transport is of no concern and the amazing sound from the 2 Channel sound, makes no need for a center, rears of sub, this setup will be included going forward, I only wish I scored the 205 when they were available.

I’m estimating the Oppo sound quality is 65%-70% compared to a PS 2 box system, mind you the gap narrows IMO with Oppo being cabled up with the power, ethernet and grounding being high end cables, floating on Stillpoints Ultra SS and going into high end gear, but still...

While this is fun in a way to make do, the 30%-35% PS contributed to overall quality was IMO worth the $$$.

Anyway, point being is to share the story and highlight the Oppo 203.

Ed - Oppo made some great digital products. They were pretty much universally lauded by most audiophiles so it’s too bad they closed up shop and are no longer making players. I still haven’t read a good reason for their decision. Doesn’t surprise me that it sounds that good!

- Buck

Ed I did get lucky and scored a 205 shortly before they closed shop. I also have an older 105D that has been a great unit.

Yep.......... like my 203. Great performance for ~$500. Ordered immediately when I read they were closing up shop. Thought about ordering a couple, but figured would have all CDs in FLAC files before the 203 died.

I did like the AKM DACs in the Oppo 203. The 205 sounded better in some respects due to the care in designing the power supply and analog circuits, but I prefer AKM to Sabre32 (even the 9038Pro)

I only wish Pioneer had continued with the AKM4490s when moving from the LX500 to the LX800 :(