Bought the new Oppo DVD981HD player...

How would the Oppo perform sonically for DVD Concerts where audio quality matter more than average movies? I am questioning whether to buy an Oppo with the RAM mods, so it will be more musically satisfying, or whether I should hold out for an Arcam DV137 or DV139?

There are rave reviews about the audio performance quality of a RAM Modded Oppo. But I have a hard time swallowing the idea of laying out those costs on such a light weight, otherwise inexpensive transport/package. I wonder if I'd ever recoup my investment if I wanted to sell a modded Oppo?

Would I be better served watching concert/music DVD's on a high end McCormack UDP-1 Deluxe, Denon 3930ci, Arcam DV139 or?

Groberts, I went with the Oppo 980H because it's supposed to be the best of their line for audio.

It has surpassed all expectations for both video and audio, but especially audio.

I figured SACD/DVDA might be decent, but didn't expect much from RB CD's. However, this is where is excells. Good with all formats; no I take that back, it's really good, period!

Nice solid and accurate bass with good extension, very good soundstage (width and depth), decent tonal accuracy and timing, and very good detail and air.

Vocals and intruments are nicely placed and distinct.

I like it better than my Sony NS999ES.

This is easily the best buy I've ever made. The fact that is sells for only $169 makes it an absolute best buy IMO and I am amazed at what I got for this amount of money.

I was also considering a used or new Denon, but not now.

My recommendation to anyone in the market for a really good uiversal DVDP is; don't walk. Run!

KR4 - The 981 is their top of line player and latest model. Check their web site.

Dawgbyte, the 980H is actually their latest model and was built with improved auido as one of their goals.

I read their site thoroughly before making my decision. Here is an excerpt from the news release posted on their site:

"Continuing the OPPO tradition of extraordinary audio/video performance and immense value, OPPO designed the DV-980H with a focus on sound and picture quality. Taking inputs from audiovisual enthusiasts and world-famous high fidelity audio equipment partner companies, OPPO refined the audio portion of the DV-980H for precision rendering from Super Audio CD, DVD-Audio, HDCD and regular CDs".

I sold my Denon 2930ci for an Oppo 981 becuase I did not have the room to fit the Denon anymore. What a mistake, the Oppo is dark, grainy and 2 dimensional compared to the Denon. Even my wife who is a skeptic about all of this said it is painfully (yes, painfully) obvious. Well, time to sell my receiver to get a smaller one so I can get the Denon back.