Oppo Vs Esoteric

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!

stan5468-
which player did you purchase?
Happy Listening!

@milpai

With all due respect what speakers are you getting? I think Esoteric is waisted on anything other than SOTA top of the line speakers (between 5 and 10 times the cost of the source).

I am trying to tackle your "is it worth it?" question....and I am suggesting the answer is that it really depends on the quality of your speakers (the highest distorting and lowest fidelity part of any digital setup).

@gdhal ,
I have 0% use for the Oppo as a video player. The Oppo is in a dedicated listening room without any video playback. In fact all the setups on the Oppo can be done via the app - so no video required. I have set up the Oppo for 2-channel listening. I have not paid much attention to the DACs, it is on the default setting.
But this does not mean that I am regretting my choice. I really like the Oppo. It is just that I am not finding it as harsh as folks make it out to be.

@2psyop ,
I don't think that the Oppo is a hype at all. It makes some beautiful music.The price to performance ratio is pretty high. My point was, is sounding "hi-fi" really what people call the "real deal", or is it sounding smooth that is the "real deal". This player does not sound bright as some people make it to be. I think people make up their minds based on other's experience, or what they heard.

@shadorne ,
I will be getting the ProAc D48Rs. Yes, I do understand what you are saying. The ProAcs are a B--I--I--I--I--I--G stretch for me. But the idea was to do it right after spending so much time and money on a speaker that I was looking for, for the past 2 years.

Good choice of speaker. I don’t think the latest ESS chips sound digital harsh - I think it is more analog sounding than previous generations but with a remarkable clarity. I don’t know about the Oppo implementation but based on their track record I think you picked a very practical, flexible and solid winner rather than an obsolete but superb expensive boat anchor.