Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition - First Impressions

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jdandy

I could not resist. I just placed the order to upgrade my first Oppo BDP-83 to the Special Edition model. It's just too good a performance jump not to take advantage of the offer. Oppo will send me an RMA number, and I pay shipping to them. They install the new ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC's circuit board, the new analog power supply board, and a RS232 port on the back panel, then return it to me, plus reset my warranty clock back to day one. The Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition is continuing to blow me away. I can't stop listening to it. I need to start shopping for more Hybrid Multi-channel SCAD's.

Now Dan, don't I remember you saying something about not liking surround music? I think you are seeing that some of the multi-channel SACD's can sound pretty good.

[jdandy]

Jim.......I have to admit that I am warming to 5.1 surround sound for some music. That Big Phat Band - XXL disc is two sided, with CD on one side and 5.1 DVD-A on the other. The DVD side is mixed beautifully for surround.

The Oppo BCD-83 that is going back for the Special Edition upgrade will only be used in 2 channel mode in the living room system, and only for movies, although I am sure the new ESS DAC's will be a nice improvement in two channel stereo. $299.00 is a small price for the ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC's and new analog power supply, and that includes return shipping. I would regret it if I didn't have my first BDP-83 upgraded.

[thughes]

I have to admit that I am warming to 5.1 surround sound for some music.

I can't wait until you add 3 more MC275s to the studio system. I want to read that review.

[deafbykhorns]

Originally Posted by jdandy

The Oppo BDP-83SE vs: MCD500 will be a fun shoot-out. The associated gear will be the C1000T, the mono pair of MC275 amplifiers, the Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento speakers, and the McIntosh XLS112 subwoofer. Power will be provided by the PS Audio Power Plant Premier.

Inquiring minds are waiting, the 31st is coming up quick!

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by deafbykhorns

Inquiring minds are waiting, the 31st is coming up quick!

John.......I think you missed it. Go here: http://audioaficionado.org/general-a...sh-mcd500.html

[Microshrimp]

Hi Dan,

I enjoyed your initial thoughts and also your head to head comparison with that more expensive SACD player. I've been sifting through a lot of junk online and feel that your thoughts are some of the more valid ones I've found so far (most people seem to be talking about the numbers more than the actual sound!)

I currently own an Oppo DV 981HD and have really enjoyed it for SACD playback as well as my primary DVD player. I'm ready to upgrade to Blu-Ray though and want to stick with Oppo.

I'm trying to decide if the extra $400 for the SE version will be noticeable in my system. I do not have an audiophile worthy surround system, but for stereo sources, I enjoy listening with my AKG K701 headphones with a Headroom Micro solid state headphone amplifier connected to the analog stereo output of the Oppo. (link) Do you think this setup would be good enough to appreciate the difference between the regular version and the SE version? I'd like to eventually buy better surround speakers, and/or nice stereo speakers, but it would be a financial investment that I probably wont do this year, especially since I'm spending at least $500 on the player, if not $900.

Thank you for your opinion!

--Stephen

[RodWelst]

No worries on the Oppo upgrade date until 12/31!

Here is a post from Jason of Nuforce.
Contact Nuforce.
NuForce | High End Audio
*************************************


Quote:
The SE is manufactured and sold by Oppo. (Nuforce assisted in the SE design).
Oppo did most of the work, our involvement is limited to sound evaluation and offer some suggestions.

Quote:
The SE is available as a new player, or can be a base 83 player modded by Oppo Digital (until 12/31)

The NE is a modification performed and sold by Nuforce.

I guess the next question might be if Nuforce will offer an SE mod after 12/31.
Yes, my understanding is that we will perform the BDP-83 to 83SE upgrade after 12/31. Oppo will supply us with the parts.

Jason

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Microshrimp

Hi Dan,

I enjoyed your initial thoughts and also your head to head comparison with that more expensive SACD player. I've been sifting through a lot of junk online and feel that your thoughts are some of the more valid ones I've found so far (most people seem to be talking about the numbers more than the actual sound!)

I currently own an Oppo DV 981HD and have really enjoyed it for SACD playback as well as my primary DVD player. I'm ready to upgrade to Blu-Ray though and want to stick with Oppo.

I'm trying to decide if the extra $400 for the SE version will be noticeable in my system. I do not have an audiophile worthy surround system, but for stereo sources, I enjoy listening with my AKG K701 headphones with a Headroom Micro solid state headphone amplifier connected to the analog stereo output of the Oppo. (link) Do you think this setup would be good enough to appreciate the difference between the regular version and the SE version? I'd like to eventually buy better surround speakers, and/or nice stereo speakers, but it would be a financial investment that I probably wont do this year, especially since I'm spending at least $500 on the player, if not $900.

Thank you for your opinion!

--Stephen

Microshrimp.......Thank you for the kind words. And welcome to Audio Aficionado.

I am quite positive you will notice a marked improvement in your headphone experience with the new Oppo BDP-83SE. The ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC's are configured in a dual quad arrangement when listening to two channel analog stereo output, so you will be benefiting from the amazing DAC's setup in a manner similar to that of the McIntosh MCD500. You will definately hear greater detail, seperation of instuments and vocals, and greater dynamic range. Even though you initially plan to use the BDP-83SE for two channel, I can also tell you that in surround sound this player is simply amazing, and a big leap over the standard BDP-83. Spend the extra money. You will be thrilled now, and in the future as your system grows.

[Dark Turban]

Dan:

It's been a while, I was wondering if you had any further thoughts to share on life with Oppo.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Regards,
DT

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by jdandy

DJ.......At $899.00 it is an absolute steal.

I see MD has the Oppo BDP-83SE at the above price and "For a Limited-Time, GET A FREE $225 AudioQuest Two Meter HDMI Cable w/ Purchase!"*

Pretty good deal.

Bob