New Oppo DV-980H

Hi guys, seen as you are discussing the volume control I thought I would add some more thoughts on the 980H.

I used my 970HD direct in the Trends Audio T-amp (configured as a poweramp). Wih that unit there was a lot of noise along with the signal, and the noise was in inverse proportion to volume... this sucked, as most of the time I don't listen at high volume.

With the 980H the noise was gone. Completely. However, inserting the new Kingrex pre-amp between the (980H and the Trends amp made a HUGE difference. I used to be convinced by the economy and logic of a "direct to power-amp" approach but now I have to say I am amazed. If and I mean IF! there was any loss of detail, siblance, depth, width or ANYTHING else from adding the pre then my ears are not good enough to hear it. More than that, everything was enhanced by the pre-amp.

Clearly this is probably more to do with the pre-amp than the fact I was running the 980H at full volume, but it is worth noting that the "direct" approach is, in my opinion, of no quantifiable benefit. Moreover, adding a good pre-amp can be the start of something beautiful!

Someone mentioned a clicking sound. I have a small clicking noise between tracks. Not mechanical as it comes through my speakers. Not real loud, but it's there every time.

I have another issue with a couple of DVDA's that I have. Both are Santana DVDA's. I have a few other DVDA's and they work fine. My SACD's, HDCD's and RBCD's work fine as well.

Problem on one disk is that it will not diplay the titles and the screen gets pixelized. I am able to get it to play and can also see the photographs, but but not the titles.

On the 2nd disk it will play the titles, but hangs up after certain tracks.

Both disk are practically brand new. As a matter of fact, the one disk was brand new.

Not a big deal, but I'm curious none the less.

The small pop between tracks is more of an issue. Do you guys here this pop? If not I may have an issue and may need to send it back for a new unit before my trial period is up.

BTW, anyone read they're coming out with a 983? New video chip as I understand it, and the price is up as well.

Does the DV-980H decode HDCD like previous Oppos?

Yes it does decode HDCD, and it a universal player. For the money, its a no brainer!

i also have the clicking sound... sounds like a needle to record sound. if you do report this to oppo, please do let me know what response they give you.

chris