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How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?

222.166.160.111
Posted on October 15, 2009 at 03:39:41
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 I am seriously considering OPPO 83. How good it is playing SACD compare against similar priced SACD/CD player like Pioneer P6 or Marantz 7001 ?

TIA
Alan

Don't do it!!, posted on October 21, 2009 at 04:19:54
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 According to the latest issue of Hi-Fi News, they reported an issue when the Oppo plays SACDs. Loud peaks make the Oppo make strange distotion noises.
The fault was confirmed by Oppo as being common to all of these units.
They said that a future firmware update may fix it, the HFN reviewer is still waiting.

Their conclusion is to NOT recommend it to anybody who wants it for replay of SACDs

Don't shoot me, I'm just the ....

Here is the official reply from OPPO, posted on October 22, 2009 at 17:26:30
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 " Issues related to SACD pops, crackles, or snaps were addressed through firmware. Issues related to slight pops between tracks are still being investigated. " - reply from OPPO 22 Oct 2009

Apparently, OPPO has fixed most of the issue already as long as you are updated on the latest firmware.

Since I am already on the latest 0925 firmware, so far I have not noticed these pops and crackies.

Alan


DO IT !, posted on October 22, 2009 at 11:54:22
ozzyboy
Audiophile

Posts: 122
Joined: April 4, 2002
 I have had a Oppo 83 and it plays all of my SACD's fine, very good in fact. No popping or anything as descibed in your posting.
Dont panic.

And he's not the only one, posted on October 22, 2009 at 04:37:00
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 Spotted this on the AVS Forum...
SACD: Audio pops or dropouts between SACD tracks; random pops and dropouts. Much improved over previous firmware releases, but still prevalent.

My vote (cash) now goes to the DM players

Under what condition, link, setup will this happen ?, posted on October 21, 2009 at 20:35:37
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 To elaborate what Kal is asking, also what I want to know as well.

Which link will this happen ? HDMI or the dedicated analog 2 channel or the multiple channel analog output ?

Which SACD layer ? multi channel layer or the 2 channel layer ?

Thanks.
Alan

Pop! Just happened to me, posted on October 23, 2009 at 11:37:48
Tympani
Audiophile

Posts: 168
Joined: July 24, 2001
 I have been using the Oppo as a 2-channel SACD source for the past 2 weeks (see my positive "review" from earlier in this thread). Last night while listening to Michael Tilson Thomas' Mahler 4th Symphony (SFO) Adagio movement, I heard a series of fairly loud "pops" separated by about 3 seconds. The sound was startling, especially so because the preamp was at a fairly high level, but playing a soft passage. Definitely "pops" (lower/mid frequencies) as opposed to "clicks" I immediately stopped the player and turned down the preamp. My first thought was defective tubes, but subsequent music played fine. The disc surface was pristine, and had never presented any audio glitches with my Marantz SA7, out for repair.

This was the SACD track of this Hybrid Multichannel disc, being played in 2-channel mode. I have since replayed the track with no glitches, nor have I heard it on any other sessions.

The only other observation was that the Oppo had been on, and spinning a disc continuosly (in replay) for about 8 hours before my listening session. I had been curious whether the generally positive sounds showed any change after a "break-in" period like many other components.

Whatt firmware version you are on ?, posted on October 23, 2009 at 19:39:41
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 According to OPPO, they have fixed some of these issues through firmware.

I am also using the 2 dedicated channel for SACD and had not such problem yet. I am on the latest firmware 0925.

Alan

RE: Whatt firmware version you are on ?, posted on October 24, 2009 at 11:12:33
Tympani
Audiophile

Posts: 168
Joined: July 24, 2001
 I was using firmware 0430 when it happened. I have just upgraded to version 0925. Hopefully fixed. Its a great little player.

RE: Whatt firmware version you are on ?, posted on October 24, 2009 at 20:12:06
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 I agree with you. It is a great player and probably the player with the least firmware bug around. But I have encountered a situation which may not be too favourable with a small portion particularly audiophiles system when using this player. I am in touch with OPPO support if that can be fixed.

Alan

RE: Under what condition, link, setup will this happen ?, posted on October 22, 2009 at 02:48:50
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 I've reported what Barry wrote in his HFN magazine article.
That was the sum details he provided.

"all channels" wouldimply multichannel?

Thanks for the info. I have asked OPPO directly and waiting for reply., posted on October 22, 2009 at 06:40:43
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 unfortunately I have bought one already.

I have no such issues. NT, posted on October 22, 2009 at 13:56:43
sbrians
Audiophile

Posts: 292
Joined: March 4, 2002
 I would not worry.

Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 21, 2009 at 10:42:13
Metralla
Audiophile

Posts: 6414
Location: San Jose, California
Joined: January 30, 2001
 Can I read the story on the Web? You supplied a link, but I can't see where the Oppos story is.

Regards,
Geoff
RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 21, 2009 at 11:21:42
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 You'll have to buy the magazine, I'm afraid

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 21, 2009 at 11:20:34
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 I'm not sure
Barry Willis said there was a consistent spitting noise on all channels with dynamic peaks only noticable on SACDs.
Oppo's reply was...
"company engineers are aware of the problem and are working on a solution"
Barry said that to date, there had been none.

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 22, 2009 at 13:43:46
Barry Willis
 Although it was a latecomer, Oppo's firmware update of Sept. 30 seems to have solved the problem with spitting noise on SACD heard via the multichannel analog outputs. I now fully endorse the BDP-83 as a great affordable universal disc player. I've been very happy with its performance with Blu-ray , DVD, and CD. The list of formats that it handles with aplomb now includes SACD. Owners of Oppo products should heed firmware updates posted on the company's website, www.oppodigital.com

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 23, 2009 at 08:57:42
Disbeliever
 analogue outs OK how about more important HDMI for surround. Barry your Post is incomplete

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 23, 2009 at 08:50:03
Disbeliever
 Hi Barry ,you do not mention HDMI only analogue outputs cured ?

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 23, 2009 at 02:44:02
terycym
 Thanks for getting in touch and clearing things up Barry.

Much appreciated,
Terry

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 23, 2009 at 02:22:34
Disbeliever
 BW Full info required you mention Analogue Interconnects how about far more important HDMI ?

Welcome, Barry, posted on October 22, 2009 at 19:54:04
Metralla
Audiophile

Posts: 6414
Location: San Jose, California
Joined: January 30, 2001
 Nice to read a post from you.

Regards,
Geoff
Thanks. (NT), posted on October 22, 2009 at 15:30:19
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 7159
Joined: June 5, 2002

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 21, 2009 at 18:25:06
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 7159
Joined: June 5, 2002
 Under what conditions?
How set up and how connected?

Kal

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 22, 2009 at 00:52:22
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 Hi Kal,

Do you know Barry Willis at Hi-Fi News here in the UK?
Maybe Barry could add further details.
I was thinking of getting an Oppo based player but this has really put me off.

BTW
Ayre are comming out with a Oppo based player - their take on this issue would be appreciated as they, unlike Oppo, are a high end audio supplier.

Has anybody else reported this?

Cheers,
Terry

PS
He does say "on all channels"

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 22, 2009 at 08:53:45
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 7159
Joined: June 5, 2002
 I am simply looking for information beyond the capsule statement.

Kal

RE: Hi Fi News Link, posted on October 22, 2009 at 10:08:52
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 I have sent an email to HFN and I've been told he will follow up in a future issue.
He is also aware of this thread any MAYBE he may reply here

OK, I take the plunge, posted on October 16, 2009 at 21:39:26
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 My primiar interest is the video quality of the HDMI output and the sound quality (SACD, CD, Blu ray).

After doing more research on the net especially those chinese website, I have ordered it through OPPO's official distributor in China. It is around USD50 cheaper than order from OPPO directly after including transport fees. This is due to less transport fees. I checked from the courier that it is shipped from Shanghai.

Many of you may know but this is some of my findings from the web:
- there are 2 ways to make it all code - firmware or hardware. And both ways can be done DIY. Actually this is not my primary interest on this player.
- Many source from the web is saying this player is manufactured by BBK in China. There is a case from the web that a guy got his machine fixed by BBK's office in Hong Kong. (cannot confirm these stories).
- Since the CS4398 DAC has an output offset voltage, a general design is to use an output cap to block those DC. From those pic on the web, they were using electrolytic cap. The output capacitor of the dedicated 2 channel is bypassed with some sort of foil cap. (low voltage and capacitance type but looks like copper foil with probably 1000pf in value). This will certainly partly account for sound quality better than entry grade DVD and BD players being reported. No bypass cap was seen for those output cap for the multi channel output.

- from the web pic, there are many space on both side of drive mechanism. This is perfect for mod. I will certainly consider getting this mod such as power supply, clocks, output buffer ...etc. (Well after may be a few hundred hours of breaking in).

OK, I am still waiting and expect delivery on Monday.






It just arrived. much earlier than expected, posted on October 17, 2009 at 01:19:59
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 Cannot believe that I got a call from the courier and it is here on Sat afternoon instead of next Monday. OK. I have a lot to test tonight.

just cannot believe the efficiency.

Alan

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 15, 2009 at 18:46:08
Tympani
Audiophile

Posts: 168
Joined: July 24, 2001
 I am using my Oppo 83 as a SACD player while my Marantz SA7S1 is out for a laser repair and firmware update. Till now, the Oppo was only used as a Blu-Ray player and I had never heard its musical abilities. I now have it connected to my 2-channel audio system with equipment one would typically not use with such a player, but it has allowed me to hear this little unit in all its 2-channel glory. A brief desciption of the audio system will help to set the context:

The Oppo is now powered with a Synergistic Research Hologram D powercord. Synergistic research Apex IC's connect it to my Herron VTSP3 preamp with Amperex USA PQ 7308 tubes. The Herron is powered with a SR Tesla 2 powercord. The preamp connects to Classe CA-m400 monoblocks with Synergistic Precision Ref cables, and the amps run Maggie MG20's with SR Apex speaker cables. The monoblocks are powered with SR Hologram A pc's. Everything's connected to dedicated Oyaide R1 outlets. I mention all this detail only to demonstrate that the Oppo is being allowed to play at its full-throated best, without restrictions in ancillary equipment. The results are nothing short of amazing.

The layering and depth of the music is startling. I can hear deep into the soundstage and even get glimpses of height information. The tonal balance favors the warm end, a welcomed balance with my Maggies that tend to sound bright with less-worthy front ends. Bass is solid, deep and fairly articulate, if a little "pumped-up" in bass-heavy recordings. I just finished listening to a Joey DeFrancesco Hammond B3 organ recording that was toe-tapping fun. Vocals are portrayed quite realistically, with a warmth and absence of edge one associates with live performance. Redbook CD is respectable, but SACD really shines with detail retrieval and ambience.

Overall, I am really impressed with the Oppo as a 2-channel music source. It's not in the class of my Marantz SA7, but frankly I was concerned I wouldn't even be listening to tunes for the few weeks (hopefully) it's away, and I now know that is not the case. The Oppo gives up a degree of finesse in the upper registers, and speed in the lower registers to the Marantz, for sure. Vocals don't have the startling "you are there" jump factor or neutrality of the Marantz. But I can easily get drawn into the music with the Oppo, and that's saying alot for a player that's less than one-twelvth the cost of the Marantz.

The truth is that modestly-priced equipment is typically auditioned with similar "class" equipment. Such pairings are are often appropriate, as higher resolving ancillary equipment will typically reveal substantial shortcomings in said component. However, this is not the case with the Oppo 83. The reality is that although this $500 player would rarely get the benefit of this level of ancillary equipment, if so inclined the Oppo is up to the task. In highly resolving systems, the Oppo will certainly not be a limiting link. Quite an achievement!
RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 23, 2009 at 09:04:23
Disbeliever
 I do not care for trhe Marantz SA-7S1 which is no where near as good as my 20 year old (modified Marantz CD94.

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 26, 2009 at 05:07:26
terrycym
Audiophile

Posts: 152
Location: Hampshire
Joined: October 25, 2002
 I used to have a CD94 (the Mk II version).
I wasn't aware it played SACDs?
Correct me if I'm wrong

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 26, 2009 at 05:15:59
Disbeliever
 You are correct the CD94 does not play SACD's I do not understand how this error has occurred. This Forum site is not explicit enough.

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 26, 2009 at 05:26:26
DDisbeliever
 My mistake, I was only comparing the SA-7S1 RB CD performance to the CD94(modified) the 20 year old CD94 is far better than the overweight SA-7S1 My CD94 has only required a change of belts. I am suprised to learn that the SA-7S1 has required repairs so early in its life.

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 21, 2009 at 17:26:38
gadio4533
Audiophile

Posts: 52
Location: FL
Joined: May 28, 2007
 I couldn't agree more....I use mine for Blu-ray and SACD applications and couldn't be happier. Just for kiks I tried it as a redbook source, wow! It can hold it's own with my stage III modified shanling cd100 driving maggie 1.6s (heavily modified ala peter gunn). Driven by Odessy stratos monoblocs this setup sounds amazing. The 2 channel performance is just a plesant suprise!

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 16, 2009 at 07:20:22
vahe
Audiophile

Posts: 142
Location: Houston, Texas
Joined: September 11, 2005
 I am about to order the Oppo 83, I have never seen one so I am going with the recommendations of folks like you, I have one question regarding audio only and in stereo mode.

How do you access the stereo layer of hybrid discs with this player, the reason for this question is what I read in owners manual where it states that the player will ALWAYS downmix stereo signal from multi channel sources (pp 16 owners manual).

Vahe

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 16, 2009 at 08:11:41
Fitzcaraldo215
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Philadelphia
Joined: September 7, 2008
 In setting up the player (monitor required), you just instruct it to play the SACD stereo layer as opposed to SACD MCH or CD.

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 16, 2009 at 08:35:33
vahe
Audiophile

Posts: 142
Location: Houston, Texas
Joined: September 11, 2005
 Any recommendations for a compact monitor dedicated for programming the Oppo? I am setting up this player in my music room, there will be no TV in this room.

Vahe

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 16, 2009 at 08:47:25
Fitzcaraldo215
Audiophile

Posts: 355
Location: Philadelphia
Joined: September 7, 2008
 No recommendations, but, since it is a one-time setup, just move the Oppo temporarily near a TV, do the setup, make sure it works properly, and then put it in your music room.

Stereo, posted on October 16, 2009 at 13:18:05
sbrians
Audiophile

Posts: 292
Joined: March 4, 2002
 Also, with the push of a button on the remote, (I think audio or something on the far left one row below the play button; I do this by feel not looking), you can change between stereo and Multichannel at which time it goes back to the beginning of the track. The front panel display will tell you which is playing (stereo, etc.). You will also be turning off the display with a button near the upper left of the remote if you think that helps the sound. I'm not sure whether I hear that difference yet.

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 15, 2009 at 07:52:59
Quint
Audiophile

Posts: 2784
Joined: June 21, 2003
 I compared a modded 83 against my TRL-modded Marantz 8001 about a week ago. (See my review of the TRL 83 in the Digital forum.) On SACD, I thought the 8001 was a tad more refined overall, but the Oppo certainly wasn’t any slouch in this regard. In fact, it was so good that I really didn’t hesitate much in selling my Marantz. If you spend enough money for a dedicated player, be it CD or SACD, you can find better than the Oppo, but if you’re looking for a universal solution that’ll play anything and sound REALLY friggin’ good, buy an 83 without hesitation, get it modded by a competent modder, and be prepared to be amazed. There’s a lot of potential in that little black box.

RE: How good is OPPO 83 playing SACD against similar priced SACD player ?, posted on October 15, 2009 at 17:55:57
akltam
Audiophile

Posts: 688
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: September 29, 2002
 If I add 'mod' options to the equation, it will become even more difficult to evaluate. Thus I will stick to stock version in my consideration for the time being. But thanks for bringing in this view.

But still interested to know what you have modded in the OPPO 83 ?

Alan

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