"Best" multichannel universal player right now?

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.

When you use the HDMI, the sound VERY MUCH depends on what you connect it to. Running the 83 into the Meridian HD621/861 is quite superb. In the Esoteric class, imho.

Kal

Oppo 83... Strereophiles A list to boot!