CDP better than Oppo 970HD

Oppo is OK on audio, but not close to a 1K cdp, unless you add outboard DAC, then it can be better.

I know many may not agree but the Lexicon RT-10 is a universal SACD, DVDA, DVD, CDR and 2 channel cd player and across the board is a great performer and is used in your budget.

i consider the oppo, mediocre at best as a cd player and only fair, as a transport. i own one and am using it as a dvd player.

i would not consider using it as a cd player, unless it was paired with a very euphonic pre and amp. my friend had his oppo connected to an art dio, feeding a modded dyna pre and stock dyna stereo 70. the combo sounded pretty good until he replaced the oppo and dac with a sony playstation one, which he and i prefer.

Mrtennis,
The Oppo is not as bad as you say. maybe in his system it is. Running directly to the nicely detailed and airy AES tube power amp(w/o a preamp) it is quite acceptable compared to any cheap cdp in its price or slightly more. I have done my own chassis, crystal, and chip dampening of the Oppo with amazing results. A good rack, interconnects, and clean power are also noticeable.

Many owners have had good results as a transport, unlike your results, so maybe it need to be balanced into your system. It does have excellent DVD/movie sound as you state.