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

Ok, apparently no uni player excells at CD playback. I'd like to get something that isn't obsolete right out of the box. Can this thing really satisfy me as a CD player? What about these reports I have heard about it cutting off the first few seconds of every disc? Are you having this problem? Is anybody really using it for CD enough to care? For now, I don't care about SACD, Video, DVDA, Multi Channel, etc. I heard the Cary DVD 8 at over $1000. and was unimpressed, especially when compared to their $4000. CD player. Where should I turn? Cambridge 740? Music Hall 25? Any DVDers that are good with CD? Thanks for any info or input, Chris H.
hifiharv
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
Pdn,

I have a completely different take on this. I know of no stores in my area that will let you audition gear for anything more than 1 or 2 days. new gear. Not broken in. How do you decide if its right for you? This way you have 30 days to listen. for the hassle of sending it back you save the loss of a purchase and selling it for 60-70% of your purchase price. Or, buy used and also sell it if you don't like it. I think its perfect. I miss my friend's store. He closed because he couldn't compete. I bought all I could from him, but few did. A 30 day trial in your home is the ideal way to purchase audio. Here's to Oppo. Outlaw, AV123, Hsu, and many more.
pdn
438 posts
 
Kr4 and Tgrisham:

You both make very valid opposing points and that's what is great about this forum. Yes, I can see the advantages of going this way. However, most reputable higher end audio stores have a standard 30 day return policy with a full refund. Mine does. I guess too I feel very loyal to my store and the main sales person who has spent so much time with me these past few years. He has always been so truthful and right on. Never once mislead me. He works his tail off and I value that highly. We can't let these stores go away. They're not just a retail store but a center for learning from the pros. We've got to continue to support them. Thanks for the good debate gents !!
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
I pine for the days when I had a reputable audio store. For me it was like a candy store for a little kid. There are stores within 60 miles but there is a turnover of staff and they are carrying fewer and fewer lines. The best loan I ever got was over a weekend when they were closed. But, living in rural Missouri, it is to be expected. I wish I had a great retail store to support. That said, thanks to Audiogon, I have been able to buy more gear, try it, and sell it if it doesn't work out. Most of the gear sells for 50-70% of the new cost. Thankfully, I have never been "burned". Long live Audiogon! By the way, I have put the Oppo 980 back in my main system. It feeds a PS Audio DL III. The sound is really great. I have to be careful about other machines and power draws and noise since the power supply is limited. Now I am on the hunt for a Denon or Sony Universal transport. Something akin to a tank with pretty lights on it.
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
711 posts
 
No, it will not satisfy as a cdp if that is its only purpose for the same price as a cdp.
ckung
27 posts
 
My new Oppo 980H with a Asylum/Crump cord and a few vibration minimizing tweaks has now supplanted my Sonic Frontiers SFCD-1 with vintage 6DJ8 tubes, Isoclean fuse, Daruma ball bearing feet and a Venhaus Flavour 2 power cord. This was after many hours of comparison. Overall, the 980H lacks a bit of depth and midrange liquidity/smoothness but is a little more dynamic and detailed.

I have since sold my SFCD-1 and put the $900 net difference into more music to listen to.

My suggestion is to try it first before judging the new Oppo's redbook abilities. Your results may be different depending on the rest of your system.

The rest of my system is composed of:

Bryston B-60 and 2B-LP in biamped configuration powering Totem Arros and Dreamcatcher powered sub. Cables included Venhaus DIY cotton insulated 99.99% pure silver interconnects with Eichmann Silver Bullets and Sonocable silver speaker cables.
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