Oppo BDP-95 as a pure two channel audio source?

I'm using an OPPO BDP-85SE version with DynAudio C4 Signature II's and it's darn good sounding for a grand. I'd say it is the single best "deal" I've bought as far as sound and price. I use it for music 90% of the time. I would be happy to buy another one when it wears out based on what this unit provides.

But I agree 100%, to tell the difference you'd need to do it in the same system with the same source material (put one on AUX input and one on CD input and RIP the same CD and listen, switching back and fourth between the two synced together). Switch the two sources to remove that possible sound bias and see what you hear.

Fair enough. The Oppo 95, in my home, does double duty as a 3D blu-ray player as well as an SACD player, then, formally, as an I2S transport to my NAD M51. Remember, I stream files from a USB hard drive.

So, as a dedicated 2 channel CD player, compared to a Bryston, I don't have an answer for that as I never compared the two. What I wouldn't do is buy the Oppo in exchange for the Bryston. My gut feeling is that you'd be trading an apple for orange as a CD player and, the Bryston, compared to the Oppo and its Sabre32 dacs may not be to your liking. It's that system synergy thing. DAC's will drive you crazy with their individually nuanced signatures, but put some clean power and reclocking devices in front of them, you're in different territory. At least in my experience.

This weekend we're looking to compare 3 pretty cool solutions to playing music. I've listened to 2 of them and I've found them very special. Mac mini/Kora PS vs CAPs server/SoTM USB card is crazy good. Another interesting but poorly designed server that supposed to be very good too will be put up against these two excellent sources.

If in the SF Bay Area, you'd be welcome to have a listen.

The Oppo will lag far behind these solutions in terms of interface, sound quality and expandability. But the Oppo is simple to use, plays SACD's, you don't need a computer science degree to set it up and is about ~30% cheaper.

Thanks again Desalvo55 and to all who have replied. You are absolutely right, not all dacs, (or how they're utilized) are created equal and system synergy is critical. After a fair amount of research and hearing from a number of very satisfied Oppo owners, you're right, I have decided to abandon the notion of replacing my Bryston with the Oppo. The reasoning that the Oppo is a great sounding player, "for the money" is of no consequence to me, in fact, that makes it less attractive. However, the main reason I won't be moving forward with the Oppo is that it has become rather apparent to me now, that while the Oppo may be a terrific home theatre/computer piece, it probably should not be confused with something it is not intended to be, and that is a audiophile quality cd source. Thanks again. .

Jay writes, ". . . while the Oppo may be a terrific home theatre/computer piece, it probably should not be confused with something it is not intended to be, and that is a audiophile quality cd source."

I get the impression his mind was made up before he started this thread, otherwise it's difficult to adduce evidence in the series of posts that support his conclusion.

db

The "SE" unit is pretty well received by those that have indeed used "audio" only units with botique names. I'd still be interested in an A to B shoot-out before I drew a conclusion. I'll surely do that before I upgrade, or it might be a downgrade.

Just because something is sold in HUGE QTY, and can leverage a lower price, does it all of a sudden get you less quality of sound and for that reason. Audio has the opposite problem, to few units sold at high prices isn't making stuff sound better. You can spend much more than on the OPPO BDP-83SE and be worse off real easily.