I bought two Oppo DV-981HD and Im using them both for video and two channel. I got burned on a high end DVD purchase and decided to stick with cheaper technology since I'll probably replace them before they wear out. My main system is a Levinson 360S DAC and No. 37 transport. I ran side by side tests into the 360S as transports (No 37 and Oppo) the differences were very slight. I thought the Levinson had a slightly smoother sound. Needless to say I was quite surprised
I expected more of a difference. I guess the logic is a transport is a transport but there are differences.
I heard about the Oppo from a buddy and then read an article in Stereophile mag a few months back. I was quite amazed. When I ran it side by side as a stand alone CDP it didnt fair as well but it was very respectable for its price tag. I cant find anything I can afford that sounds as good as my Levinson setup. I suppose you could get a unit modded and smooth out the rough edges but I would burn it in and see what you think. I have one on each system (two channel/HT System) and they sound completely different as they should. I would think the DV-980H would match up to components in its price range better. The 981HD has a big league sound for pennies but the build quality is as it should be. You get what you pay for. Until the technology market settles a bit Im sticking to 5.1 and standard 1080p upsampled DVD. The Oppo is a perfect choice. Video via HDMI on a 50 plasma is amazing. HD DVD will have to go a long way to beat the Oppo looking at the cost factor right now; its not worth it for me.
Five channel SACD is also VERY good. I run it on the HT system and I can really hear a noticeable difference. I had a Denon setup for a while and didnt care for SACD at all. Now I use my SACDs for the buddy demo I get a lot of compliments.
Out of 5 stars I give it 4 for sound, 3 for build quality and 5 for overall value. I have had one for about a year and the second one for about three months. I live in Vancouver Washington and the rain is coming back soon, so my movie/music time is about to go up significantly.
Let the testing continue!
I heard about the Oppo from a buddy and then read an article in Stereophile mag a few months back. I was quite amazed. When I ran it side by side as a stand alone CDP it didnt fair as well but it was very respectable for its price tag. I cant find anything I can afford that sounds as good as my Levinson setup. I suppose you could get a unit modded and smooth out the rough edges but I would burn it in and see what you think. I have one on each system (two channel/HT System) and they sound completely different as they should. I would think the DV-980H would match up to components in its price range better. The 981HD has a big league sound for pennies but the build quality is as it should be. You get what you pay for. Until the technology market settles a bit Im sticking to 5.1 and standard 1080p upsampled DVD. The Oppo is a perfect choice. Video via HDMI on a 50 plasma is amazing. HD DVD will have to go a long way to beat the Oppo looking at the cost factor right now; its not worth it for me.
Five channel SACD is also VERY good. I run it on the HT system and I can really hear a noticeable difference. I had a Denon setup for a while and didnt care for SACD at all. Now I use my SACDs for the buddy demo I get a lot of compliments.
Out of 5 stars I give it 4 for sound, 3 for build quality and 5 for overall value. I have had one for about a year and the second one for about three months. I live in Vancouver Washington and the rain is coming back soon, so my movie/music time is about to go up significantly.
Let the testing continue!