"Best" multichannel universal player right now?

There is only so much you can do with $500. Oppo did what they can to maximize the BDP-83's performance. They sell direct; that is why it is so inexpensive bypassing wholesale and retail.

Video quality is top notch. It makes my DVD (I mean good DVD)look closer to Blue Ray. The sound is decent, but not compared to top tier players. I haven't been and will not be able to compare everything out there, but for a HT system, the Oppo is awesome and good for occasional two-channel listening. For ultimate two-channel, I go to my reference system.

Audiolui: Video quality is top notch. It makes my DVD (I mean good DVD)look closer to Blue Ray. The sound is decent, but not compared to top tier players.

Can we assume you mean via the analog outputs? I ask because the sound via HDMI is fully competitive.

Kal

I have the Oppo BP83, I was in the second group that got them, so I have had mine a few months, with no firmware issues I might add. It is a STELLAR player, in all respects.

Is it an Esoteric or Cary 306 Professional?? Uh, no. But it is a great universal player. I am really reaching here since I really don't listen to disc's much, almost all vinyl now and some digital through a DAC, but I think it sounds, on SACD and DVD-Audio about as good as my Denon 5910ci did. Redbook CD is not great through analog, but as a transport to a DAC it's very nice, very good in fact.

I am not a long term believer in BluRay and really got this as a hedge for my SACD's/DVD-A and DVD's in the future, and I think it's hard to beat. In about 5 yrs when no more discs are produced, and it's all digital (and vinyl bizzar-ly enough) you will love having this thing to play anything that comes your way.

Kr4,
I use HDMI all the way through. To me ears, it is decent sounding. I don't think it is in Esoteric's territory either. Two channel is fine, but I think its surround sound is quite good. Its video quality is really up there. Be realistic, for $500, it can take almost any kind of disc format available on the planet and has great picture. I can't complain. As a bonus, Oppo's customer service and easy firmware update are great. Just so you know, I don't work for them.

If you have one of the modders replace the stock op amps and caps of the Oppo player you will have an incredible machine. Great video and audio.