Oppo BDP-95 as a pure two channel audio source?

Lets say your vinyl had a scratch across it and knocked your needle out with your best sounding cart. If it played with one that sounded pretty good, would you throw out your best cart and keep the one that sounded ok for the usability? I infact even stated that if interested oppo had a wonderful return policy that I myself even took advantage of. I believe that for the money the oppo is very good, but not as good as other options out there, even chaper cd only options. There are better players in the wild and I believe from the op's stated desires he is looking for a stereo player that is unrivaled. This does not fit the oppo, hence his decision to not play the upgrade game and simply try and decide on a player that may last him. To the op, if you are looking at esoteric I listened to a x-05 a few days ago. I took my Ayre with me to A/B, the esoteric was a lot more forward and slightly more dynamic than the Ayre. The Ayre did have a little more depth and sounded more natural, but neither player had more detail than the other and each sounded wonderful on their own. Good luck on your quest for stereo perfection!!

I bought my Oppo 105 as an upgrade from my 93 unit for the music side first and foremost, AND I AM EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH IT !!! For the money it was the best purchase yet that has brought my system together in a harmonious bliss. Sure a $5,000 unit might be a bit better, but how much and to whom is making the opinion is questionable. My ears allow me to make that decision and my new Oppo is a pleasure to listen to and there is no need for me to look any further.

Thanks Harri009 abreciate Esoteric/Ayre comparison detail and yes, you are correct in that I am looking for a player that is unrivaled or at least an obvious audible step up from my Bryston, which would be no small task as that is a very good unit. Again, I am "old school" in my approach to this hobby as I believe that video, (especially surround) and hi end audio are mutually exclusive. Two completely different experiences that I don't combine. Not interested in sub woofers or venturing into the computer arena. I believe that the cd format is still very viable. The source I'm looking for would need to first and foremost be able to be outstanding with red book, SACD capability would be a plus but not necessary. Very interesting that you have had experience with the Oppo and direct comparison between those units many consider to be the standard and find the Oppo to be very good for the money, (there's that disclaimer again) but there are based on your experience and ears, better and less expensive cd only options available. Good thread fellas, appreciate everyones two cents. Jay

I'm surprised this thread is still alive. It seems obvious by now that the OP was not a serious inquiry, and that Jay has a belief he enjoys stating over and over. Wonder what other fetishes he might have.

db

Jay, I know I sound like I am about to feed you another companies kool-aid, but the Emotiva ERC-2 is an absolutely wonderful CD only player. On top of that Emotiva has their Christmas sale going and 30day hassle free returns. If you do not need SACD and would like a wonderful cd playback to test against the ERC is wonderful and cheap enough to not have to sell to fund an A/B. Have fun!!