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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
tomcarr
1,571 posts
 
I think my Oppo 103 sounds very good with my Krell integrated and Vandersteen 2Cs. I only use it for 2-ch audio. I like being able to play all disc formats. Service information is top-notch. The only downside is it's a little slow to respond to inputs from the remote. I'm planning to purchase the 205 based on owner's statements it sounds even better. Stereophile rates the 103 class B, the 105 class A.

Tom
jonasandezekiel OP
160 posts
 
Yeah, but I just can't get over the fact that it's a mid-fi priced disc player, and that it plays video too. It's almost a mantra that you can't get true reference two channel from a player that does video as well, so reasonably priced. Something doesn't seem right.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,432 posts
 
@ jonasandezekiel,
Why don't you try the Oppo 205? If you don't like it, you can return it and go with the Marantz.
boneman73
36 posts
 
@jonasandezekiel .... given your statement about it being a mid-fi price point, I think you should definitely go with another player. I bet the "what if" will constantly be in the back of your head, and that may not be a very enjoyable place to listen! 
tomcarr
1,571 posts
 
Buy the 205 and also whatever else you think you might like. Compare them for up to 30 days (whatever the return period is) and return the one you like less.

Tom
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