Can anyone shed some light on the difference between the Oppp BDP-83 and BDP-83SE ?

Both are Blu Ray universal players capable of playing just about anything you could throw at it, including CDs and SACDs.
The BDP-83SE was a totally upgraded version, with cutting edge set of  DAC chips (ESS Sabre) for its day (circa 2010), upgraded power supply, jacks, op amps, the works.  The BDP 83 went for $499.   The SE model for $899.  The video performance for the 2 machines was identical.  Audio performance via HDMI was identical.  But audio performance via SE versions analog outputs was much superior.  Both models set the standard at their respective price points ten years ago.   I purchased an 83SE for my home theater setup back in 2010, and the machine is still going strong today.

Thank you jazzman for sharing your knowledge. 

Unearthing this thread by asking:

Is the BDP-83SE worth $275 today (July, 2023)?

Using the BDP-83SE (ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC (ES9016)) would allow me to:

Get rid of my old MusicHall Music Hall CD-25.2 (stock, Burr Brown PCM1738) which has always sounded fantastic in my system. An old OPPO DV-980DH (used for SACD and coax out to newer DAC), and a crappy Sony Blu-ray. 

I guess the real question is if the BDP-83SE will sound as good or better than the Music Hall. 

I may need to spend $275 to find out.

Any experienced input would be helpful.

 

I have an 83SE fully modded and a 103. I would suggest getting a 103 or 105 because although the 83SE is a fine machine and I still use it for movies, it can't rip SACDs, it can't play the very occasional modern Blu-Ray and IME SACDs don't sound so good. DVD-A discs sound very nice though.

The 103 is not much more expensive, about $400 used and makes a superb SACD ripper for my Aurender. It's also a better made machine a more solid build.

@lordmelton Which mods did you do to your 83SE?

Since ripping is not my thing. Essentially, I'd use one of two configurations:

1) HDMI out to my system for the DVD/Bluray playing. 

2) Analogue out for CD/SACD listening in Stereo

BUT… if, after A/B testing I decided that my external DAC sounds better, I'd go with Coax out to my DAC for stereo listening. 

The internal DAC is newer and ostensible better than the MusicHall's. However, MusicHall has out performed a few more expensive players when A/B auditioned on my system. For instance, a Rotel that was way more expensive but really did not sound as transparent. 

The 103 / 105 option is out of my budget range. 

 

lordmelton

 

Whom fully modded your 83SE ?

 

Happy Listening!

> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: Oppo Mod
> From: Reference Audio Mods <referenceaudiomods@yahoo.com>
> Date: Thu, December 10, 2009 8:34 am
> Thanks for your interest in RAM.  Here are the two options for this application
> Level 1: $795.00 + $20.00 shipping Power Supply rebuild and Superclock 4-S , WBT NextGen RCA for digital out
> Level 2 Statement: $1295.00 + $20.00 shipping Power Supply Rebuild and Ultraclock Mk2, WBT Nextgen RCA for digital out
> Best Regards,
> Kyle Takenaga
> Reference Audio Mods
> 17255 Vista Del Lago Dr.
> Riverside, CA 92503
> 1-951-780-2869 phone
> www.referenceaudiomods.com

I went with the Level 2 Statement mod with a BNC digital out, which is very good.

RAM are no longer in business.

For current mods look here: https://www.oppomod.com/

lordmelton

 

Yes, RAM was quite good at one time. Sad, these "modification" Companies are folding. To my knowledge, ModWright is the only one left. Dan, is pretty fickle though.

 

Happy Listening!

lordmelton

 

A very nice and interesting System that you have assembled.

 

Happy Listening!

@bambooken You mentioned above

”Since ripping is not my thing. Essentially, I'd use one of two configurations:

1) HDMI out to my system for the DVD/Bluray playing. 

2) Analogue out for CD/SACD listening in Stereo

BUT… if, after A/B testing I decided that my external DAC sounds better, I'd go with Coax out to my DAC for stereo listening. 
 

Why not use HDMI for CD/SACD listening as well (or is there something I’m missing here)?