Just Got My Oppo 205!


So - I wanted an Oppo 105 for about 3 years and when I heard they were closing it down, I popped for the 205 through Amazon. Got one of the last ones. I’ve owned some very good CD players - Naim CD5x with flatcap, Naim CDX2 with Supercap, Doge6, Lector and my current EAR Acute. So how does the Oppo compare you might ask. Well, it is new and I expect some improvement, but my first impression is - flat, sterile, uninvolving, compressed and basically lacking in musical texture. I’m just being honest and letting you know that this thing is no great shakes and certainly nothing to lust after, IMO. I happened to need a new DVD player anyway and, as I said, I have no doubt it will improve, but these are my honest first impressions that I’m sharing with you just in case you think you need to run out and buy one. Of course, I may (and I hope) I will be surprised at a vast degree of improvement with break in, but somehow I doubt it will ever improve to the level where I sell my EAR. All that said, I remember having an old Oppo 981 I think it was, that did a very credible job with SACD, so I’m thinking that the 205 will come around. I’ll let you know.
chayro

Guys, You really need to get at least 200 hours of play time on the Oppo 205 before it makes its magic (put it on repeat non stop for 10 days straight).  Then it will be really good.....not great, but really good.  Modified, it is really out there.....really great!

You don’t need any volume at all. Just have it running and connected to your Pre. Cheers
So - I've had the Oppo for about 10 days and I really haven't done any vigorous burn in on it.  Ran the Purist disc through a few times and let some SACDs play just to break in whatever parts play the SACDs that may be separate from CD.  I have to say - not bad at all.  The headphone jack sounds very good with SACD and my Grado 1000 phones and I listened through the system last night with a Boston Chamber Orchestra SACD and again, not bad at all.  I haven't really compared it AB with my EAR Acute because I'm not a big A/B test geek, but I will once the 205 gets some more miles on it.  But again, at least with SACD, very listenable.  Had no desire to get up and turn it off, which is always a plus.  I think if Oppo does another run, it's worth getting if you're so inclined. 
It’s nice to hear the Oppo 205 is becoming decent for you to listen to. Your reference quality CD player has no doubt been a treat for your ears so it’s very positive that this jack of all trades machine can provide enjoyment to a naturally fussy listener. Thanks for the updates :)