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Reference disc player...UDP 205 or Marantz?

Hey guys....
I've decided to take the plunge, and get my last reference disc player--at least for a very long time--and I'm looking for opinions on the subject.
I really wanted to get the Marantz SA-14S1, it sounds fantastic for sure, but I started to read all the glowing reviews on the Oppo UDP-205. Is it just hype, or the real thing? Is the Oppo really that rare piece of equipment that punches that far above its price? Who here has listened to the oppo and/or the Marantz? How do they compare? 
Thanks! 
jonasandezekiel
firstgrowth
87 posts
 
I just unpacked it.  First impression (I have no idea if this thing has a burn in period.  I assume the DAC does.) is it's dead quiet and MUCH more detailed than the BDP-93 it's replacing.  Lots of space between instruments, timbre on voices and strings are excellent.  I'm playing Yo Yo Ma "Appalachian Journey" and it's like a new album to me.  

All this is through a Belles Aria integrated and a pair of KEF LS50s.  Once my Don Sachs equipment and my single driver speakers show up I'm sure there will be exponential improvement.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Enjoy.
ricevs
1,543 posts
 
I will be doing the same mods to the Oppo 205 as I do now to the Oppo Sonica DAC.  Should be ready in about 3-4 weeks.  Price is $800 plus for the mods. 
jonasandezekiel OP
158 posts
 
Who is doing your mods?
reubent
7,037 posts
 
@jonasandezekiel - That reply was from Ric Schultz -  Electronic Visionary Systems (EVS). He's one of the long time mod'rs, previously manufactured audio products including a well regarded DAC. The website for Ric/EVS is www.tweakaudio.com. He's one of the good guys IHMO....
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