What's the bottom line on Oppo 980 for CD playback

Is it possible that the rest of your system does not sufficiently reproduce the higher level of detail normally associated with higher priced digital players? I have found that as I have increased the quality of my digital playback, I've also had to improve the quality of my amplification and/or speakers to reap the benefits.

This is an excellent question. I've never auditioned any of the Oppo line of players but I hear good feedback. However, one has to be suspicious as to how can a manufacture jam pack a player with all of these features including SACD capability, 1080p HDMI upscaling, and all sorts of audio features I've never heard of for $169.00? Could many of these features just be fluff?

Hell, even the Marantz CD5001 dedicated CD player for $300.00 can not decode SACD's and it's just a CD player. No video capability. You do get what you pay for as others above have mentioned. If you're looking for just a decent quality audio CD player and not concerned with all of those HD formats and no video but don't have much to spend, consider the NAD BEE series or the Marantz I mentioned above. You'll need to spend in the $300.00 area for new gear or less for preowned but really, $300.00 is truly low for something considered to be non mass marketed. I'd be suspicious of any product that boasts so many high end features for such a low price but that's just my humble opinion.

The Oppos are not the be-all/end-all for players but one reason for their low prices is that they are direct-marketed and that Oppo does not advertise anywhere but on the web. In any case, you might consider going beyond such theoreticals and actually trying one before reaching any conclusions.

Kal

Hifiharv,

I have used Classe, Ah Tjoeb 4000, Pioneer, Jolida with mods. Its a never-ending quest, and I can't spend a lot of money on audio. So far, the best I have had is the Oppo with my PS Audio DL III and the Jolida with my DL III. There is a difference, but I can't explain it. In my view, it's all in the DAC and you pick what you like. Numbers don't tell the story. Good DACs re-clock so the jitter is nil. If someone were to start up a 2 channel/HT hybrid system I would advise the Oppo 983 + a fine DAC like the PS Audio or Bel Canto using the digital coax output. Make sure your power lines are separate from everything else. You get the best of both worlds. To get better, I think you have to invest in a $3000 dedicated CDP and still use the Oppo. No matter, have fun, don't worry, listen to the music.

OK, so how do you audition an OPPO player if they're sold only via the Internet? That's the flaw with these components that are not sold in retail high-end audio stores such as Outlaw and Oppo. You're unable to visit a store and compare these units with other brands which we all know is the only way to truly audition audio components and make the right decision. So the manufacturer saves on cost because they don't sell thru retail stores and don't advertise. That really limits their exposure and reach to the consumer (Sales/Marketing 101).

I and probably many folks are uninterested in purchasing a unit, have it shipped in, try it out, then turn around and ship it back at our cost if it turns out not to be satisfactory and wait for a refund. What a hassle and waste of time. Who has the time for that?