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OPPO BDP-103 (NON Darby)

Hey all, (My mistake, I know it’s Darbee, not "Darby.")
I think I’m finally going to break down and buy a player that plays SACD disks. I know there are not all that many SACD titles available but I tried getting back into vinyl and was not all that happy with the $800.00 table I bought. Perhaps when I can afford a $3,00.00 PLUS turntable I will try again.
Anyway, I currently play DSD & FLAC files via thumb drive with my Marantz network player and CDR via a good Yamaha CD player. My amp & pre-amp are Emotiva and current speakers are B&W.
My thought is to buy an OPPO 103 - NON Darbee addition as I do not expect to use it for anything but 2 channel audio.
So, my qiestion is; how does the OPPO BDP-103 perform when playing Hi-Res audio and especially SACD? Does anyone have first hand experience with other players that may be a better choice for what I want in the same price range? I’ve read that the OPPOs tend to do better with Video play back than audio. Is this true?
I appreciate any & all replies!
wcc10
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Hey 2channel - the older Oppo players were not actually good transports.  The digital output on those were really bright/harsh.  If you wanted to get into a stand-alone DAC, I would highly suggest a better player.  Even a really cheap $100 Sony Bluray player has better digital outputs than the old Oppo.  The new Oppo (103/105) have good digital outputs.

You're probably better off getting an Oppo 95 or that Marantz SA 8003.  I think the Marantz is going to sound better.  Be aware that you're paying for 12 audio circuits on the Oppo 95, where there are only 2 audio circuits on the Marantz SA 8003.   The Marantz has fully discrete audio output buffer circuits, where the Oppo uses SMD dual-channel op amps.

2channel8
758 posts
 
Thanks, Auxinput. I know the transport of the 980 is it's weakest link, hence the urge to upgrade.

The Marantz SA 8003 got away. It went for $600. Oppo 95s are going for $800. Clearly the Marantz was a better deal. There a few older models for about the same money.

There are some Oppo 83SA or EVS mods for $475.

An Oppo 103 is going for $225 (it will go up - auction).

Is the 95 really that much better than a 103???? 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Yes, Oppo 95 is better than Oppo 103.  The 103 is just a new version of the 93.  If you are not buying a separate DAC, the 103 is not going to do it for you.  It's a great transport with somewhat decent audio (not great).

There are a couple Marantz SA8005 units here on Audiogon for $800 each.  I would chase after those first before trying Oppo.

I don't have any experience with the EVS mods.  EVS replaces the I/V and buffer op amps with a single FET, which may not have enough gain/muscle to drive a good waveform.  Don't know.  I researched EVS before and I would be worried about the output gain issue.  The single FET idea has good points and bad points.

2channel8
758 posts
 
Thanks for the help x2, Aux.
I'll save for the Marantz and stop (or at least try to control my compulsions) researching and be at peace.

Jim
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Just read over your original post.  Please be aware that the Marantz is not a true multi-format player.  It will only play CD/SACD discs.  You can play limited types of audio files from a USB stick (such as WMA, MP3, WAV, AAC).  It will NOT play DSD or FLAC or DVD-A.  If you really want DVD-A, you'll need a bluray player.  If you use a computer to play files and connect using USB, you can play more types.
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