Oppo Vs Esoteric

@boneman73

You're welcome!

Yeah, I'm unable to speak to what the filter was set to on your particular unit. To be clear, I'm merely stating that according to the manual, mini-phase fast is the default. As to "brick wall" being a diagnostic setting, note that Oppo makes no claims whatsoever regarding what each filter does or is supposed to do. Upon doing my own Internet research and overall do diligence, I have concluded that brick wall  is a diagnostic setting. However, of course you or someone else could prefer the sound when using the brick wall filter, and if that is the case by all means do so.

I agree with you that any of the filter settings are subtle. I'm happy to understand you did some level of research and/or listening on your own to arrive at the filter setting you currently like. :)

So, I got my Oppo UDP-205 about 10 days back and been listening to it, when ever I get a chance. For the first few days, I let it "run in". Have probably about 120 hours on it. I find it strange - I find this player a bit too smooth, even from day one. Not sure if anyone else experienced this. I distinctly remember the Esoteric+Canton room from AXPONA this year. That system sounded super hi-fi and the "highs" were super extended, even at low volume. Of course, the cabling in that system was probably more than the entire cost of my current system. So, is that the difference between the Oppo and the Esoteric players? Mind you, it was not the lower end Esoterics at AXPONA. It was some $20+k system with a transport and DAC. One thing I should mention that, I did update my player with the latest firmware.

Audio comparisons with a few days in between, and without levels matched, are misleading.

Sometimes, I think, we succumb to the hype of a product. You may have committed to the Oppo before this post was written and want it to compete with a much more refined system and player ....but still wanted it. I guess, in all fairness, I am not suprised you hear a big difference. Two different players, at separate price points and with different engineering. I really don’t see Esoteric as a middle of the road CD player. Never spotted one at a Best Buy and I doubt many are sold on Amazon. Some here have had both the Oppo and the Esoteric brand. They are not the same kind of audio players.

I find it strange - I find this player a bit too smooth, even from day one.

@milpai 

First off, congratulations on obtaining your new Oppo.

I'm not exactly sure what "a bit too smooth" means to you, however, I did mention previously in this thread that regardless of how much "better" (or different) the Esoteric is, I must assume you purchased the Oppo for video as well. And if that is the case, you made the right choice.

And, while I'm sure you know this, you probably haven't time yet to "investigate" the DAC filter options. And they can and do tweak the sound. So presumably you can find one that sounds best to your ears.

And, if all else fails and you are dissatisfied, assuming you purchased the unit direct from Oppo, you can return it within 30 days.

Best of luck with it!