Bought the new Oppo DVD981HD player...

The new one is the 980H, afaik. The 981 has been around for a while.

Kal

I had a 981. The picture quality was some of the best I have seen. And the sound of movies was fine. But with 2 channel music, it wasn't all that hot. Even my new Sony blu-ray does 2 channel better. Didn't use the Oppo for music, I have a dedicated cpd in that system, but I did try it out.

I have to agree with Hifidreams. Music on the Oppo is not all that. Movies are fine, but sometimes the buttons on front don't work. I don't see what all the fuss is about. Overall I am somewhat disappointed with the 981.
I emailed Oppo about the button problem and never got a response.

Okay....... this is a $230 player that does everything. Assembled a lower end system for a friend using the Oppo 981 for both DVD and 2 channel. Inserted upgraded Assemblage 2.0 DAC and must say that it is now respectable 2 channel for what it is. Completely opened up and softened midrange, extended and tightened bass. For a no- hassle one box not bad.

"Even my new Sony blu-ray does 2 channel better".

I was told the new blue-ray players would not play music CD's? Was I told wrong? If so, how is the CD playback quality of these machines.

This was one of the primary resons I was holding off.