Oppo 103 for 2 ch.

charley95

Had it hooked up to my 2 channel for couple of weeks now. Haven't had any time to do any serious listening until today.

It replaced old Denon CDP from 91. Something is missing in audio quality and can't put my finger on it.

Do these things need break-in time? Speaker configuration is set to stereo from the on screen menu.

This will be mostly used for 2 ch. and occasional DVD straight into tv. I'm not into surround and never will be,audio from tv is enough for me.
Sound is not bad but, something is missing compared to my old Denon.

Thanks!

leroyjr1

I have one hooked up in my ht rig with LSiM speakers and it sounds fantastic. What seems to be missing? What denon did it replace?

No breakin needed for me, it sounded fantastic right out the box.

nooshinjohn

You won't even come close to getting everything you can out of the oppo in that setup. I would at least get a decent set of speakers and a stereo receiver to run the sound through, but that's just me...

Yes, the Oppo will need some break-in time to perform it's best, but not much. Keep in mind that the Oppo is designed for playing BluRay and dvds first and audio second. The Denon you had was only there for the music.

eclypse

leroyjr1 wrote: »

I have one hooked up in my ht rig with LSiM speakers and it sounds fantastic. What seems to be missing? What denon did it replace?

Damn sounds like another something i'll have to buy soon. Funny as I was just checking these out on amazon earlier today reading reviews.

What external amp/receiver you running?

charley95

Rogue Cronus Mag. & 15TL's

charley95

nooshinjohn wrote: »

You won't even come close to getting everything you can out of the oppo in that setup. I would at least get a decent set of speakers and a stereo receiver to run the sound through, but that's just me...

Yes, the Oppo will need some break-in time to perform it's best, but not much. Keep in mind that the Oppo is designed for playing BluRay and dvds first and audio second. The Denon you had was only there for the music.

It just seemed to sound a little more decent through the Denon. It's hard for me to have tonal memory from the old player that I unhooked a couple of weeks back. One thing I forgot to mention, I've had I-pod in ears all day working outside. Maybe my ears are playing tricks on me today.

Polkie2009

Fill us in on exactly how yoursystem is set up. Charlie, you have the Oppo 103 hooked up just to a integrated (?) Rogue Cronus Mag with with analog interconnects right? Make sure all the audio menu selections on the Oppo are set up with the audio out for 2 channel and analog out(I'm sure you probably did this, but just in case.) I hope we can help you out here Charley, these 103's are a sweet player for the money.

charley95

Polkie2009 wrote: »

Charlie, you have the Oppo 103 hooked up just to a integrated (?) Rogue Cronus Mag with with analog interconnects right? Make sure all the audio menu selections on the Oppo are set up with the audio out for 2 channel and analog out(I'm sure you probably did this, but just in case.) I hope we can help you out here Charley, these 103's are a sweet player for the money.

Yes, analogs to integrated. HDMI straight to tv. I'm thinking ears may be fried from playing I-pod all day outside.
John does bring up an interesting point though!

Polkie2009

You are probably right Charley, the ol' ear drums may be a bit fatigued from all the I-pod listening today,lol. Maybe try listening to the same cd's tonight and let us know how it sounds.

nooshinjohn

LOL... you made no mention of having other gear besides a TV and the OPPO in your setup.

tonyb

DSkip wrote: »

Could it be the selection of music you're playing? What used to sound great will sound like crap if you get a decent player in the mix.

Vert true.....the better your gear becomes the more those old recordings faults shine. Which analog cables are you using ? Maybe try a different set.

charley95

Just using old monsters from years ago. I usually listen to the same cd's all the time so no difference there. Probably won't ever get to listen to an SACD since my musical taste if VERY narrow. I mostly listen to self produced discs. West Coast blues is the bomb for me! Junior Watson,Kid Andersen,Kid Ramos,Lynwood Slim... And yes these guys are still alive!

charley95

DSkip wrote: »

No clue who any of those guys are :redface:, but don't think just because they've sounded good since you can remember that they were recorded well. I'd suggest finding something you know is recorded well and test that, something that is commonly known to be demo-worthy.

It could be that it just doesn't mesh with your system well for some reason.

Y-Tube Kid Andersen and see what ya think! I do have good recordings of music it's just that most of the music I listen to is not mainstream. It is starting to sound better the more I play it. I just know that all music is not recorded equally.

My god you have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to figure out the manual to this thing. Does anyone know if this thing has a "program direct" feature?

SDA1C

If the 103 doesn't outrun the old skipping 2910 something is off.

Pep is sending me some cables. You are welcome to give them a run if you like, but I would guess a down sampling setting is not right. Or there is a 5.1 issue. Just a guess though. I am sure you have gone over the settings a few times by now.

SDA1C

double post

polkfarmboy

I know its nothing to do with the 103 but that 105 with the 2k mods looks like a serious contender

Tornado Red

charley95 wrote: »

Y-Tube Kid Andersen and see what ya think! I do have good recordings of music it's just that most of the music I listen to is not mainstream. It is starting to sound better the more I play it. I just know that all music is not recorded equally.

My god you have to be a Philadelphia lawyer to figure out the manual to this thing. Does anyone know if this thing has a "program direct" feature?

LOL, I found this to be one of the best written manuals I've ever read. The author had command of 2 things: the device he was talking about and the English language.

SDA1C

On mine it is called PURE. It's on the remote in the upper left corner or there abouts. Sends it into 2 channel mode and turns off the video feed.

charley95

Tornado Red wrote: »

LOL, I found this to be one of the best written manuals I've ever read. The author had command of 2 things: the device he was talking about and the English language.

Ok,I am not a tech savvy kinda guy. I'm not hip to the newer technology nor, in some ways do I wanna be. I want quality equipment and I do think I own some. Also, thanks to SDA1C who bought my wonderful 2.3's and his helpful advice to me. From what I can understand,this player does not have "program direct". So, Tornado Red since you understand the manual so well, does this player have a program direct feature??

charley95

SDA1C wrote: »

If the 103 doesn't outrun the old skipping 2910 something is off.

Pep is sending me some cables. You are welcome to give them a run if you like, but I would guess a down sampling setting is not right. Or there is a 5.1 issue. Just a guess though. I am sure you have gone over the settings a few times by now.

Thanks Dan, I might be giving you a holler on some cable upgrade advice. It's starting to sound better than the old Denon. I think my ears were screwed today due to high volume levels with the I-pod in my ears all day.

Tornado Red

charley95 wrote: »

Ok,I am not a tech savvy kinda guy. I'm not hip to the newer technology nor, in some ways do I wanna be. I want quality equipment and I do think I own some. Also, thanks to SDA1C who bought my wonderful 2.3's and his helpful advice to me. From what I can understand,this player does not have "program direct". So, Tornado Red since you understand the manual so well, does this player have a program direct feature??

I'm sure I'm less tech savvy than most anyone on here. I just found Oppo's manuals to be written and explained well, especially for people like me. And they don't seem to be translated from another language like a lot of manuals are today. What do you mean by "program direct" Charlie? The only thing I can think of is what Dan mentioned, the "Pure Audio" mode. It will turn off its video output to your display and turn off the front panel display on the Oppo. I do believe it will continue to bring you the audio in whatever format you're pushing, even multi channel. I listen to my SACDs this way and they still come across as 5.1. Hope that helps, I don't believe there is an actual "program direct" feature that I can find anywhere.

charley95

Tornado Red wrote: »

I'm sure I'm less tech savvy than most anyone on here. I just found Oppo's manuals to be written and explained well, especially for people like me. And they don't seem to be translated from another language like a lot of manuals are today. What do you mean by "program direct" Charlie? The only thing I can think of is what Dan mentioned, the "Pure Audio" mode. It will turn off its video output to your display and turn off the front panel display on the Oppo. I do believe it will continue to bring you the audio in whatever format you're pushing, even multi channel. I listen to my SACDs this way and they still come across as 5.1. Hope that helps, I don't believe there is an actual "program direct" feature that I can find anywhere.

I think "program direct" is more CDP specific. If a disc has 10 tracks and you only like tracks 1,3,5,6 & 8 lets say, you can program only the tacks you want for playback. I liked being able to program certain tracks and put player on repeat when I wanted to learn guitar riffs on certain tracks. I hope I can can find an SACD to my liking someday with my type of music. I'll have to find someone who may have a SACD to pop in my player to give one a listen. Other than no program direct, I'm pretty happy with the new Oppo. I'm starting to notice a little more detail in this player compared to my 22 year old Denon CDP. Next I'll need to focus on upgrades to my 15TL's and cable upgrades.
I hope I'm done after that and get back to more blues guitar which is my first love.

Irrenhaus

Hi all

I have my 103 connected via HDMI to the AVR for HT and some music also have the unit connected via analog for 2ch music to a B&K preamp. I have to say that I am very happy with the sound quality for SACD, regular CD's and some MP3s. Try to get your hands on some Diana Krall or Funky Organ B3 Jazz Grooves on SACD an give them a try.

Tornado Red

Ahh, I see. The Oppos do a lot of stuff, but like they say, they are Blu-ray players first. The 103 will only have individual song repeat or whole disc repeat, shuffle and random playback as options which unfortunately don't help you. There is a repeat for a particular section though that may interest you. Hit the AB Replay button at a point in a song (considered point A) and when you reach the desired end of that, say, guitar riff, hit the AB Replay button again (this becomes point . You can now replay that particular section over and over, that may help if you want to learn guitar riffs and just want to replay that section of the song.

charley95

Irrenhaus wrote: »

Hi all

I have my 103 connected via HDMI to the AVR for HT and some music also have the unit connected via analog for 2ch music to a B&K preamp. I have to say that I am very happy with the sound quality for SACD, regular CD's and some MP3s. Try to get your hands on some Diana Krall or Funky Organ B3 Jazz Grooves on SACD an give them a try.

Diana Krall discs are amazing recordings. I think I'll have to pick up an SACD of her. One thing I noticed with tube amps is that they really make female vocals come alive, especially Kralls recordings. Funny you mention B3, I'm a huge fan of it. Had Joey D. & Jimmy Smith wailing today. I actually know people who are big blues/jazz lovers and they don't like B3. Go figure! Are you hip to the west coast blues guitar players out there? Most of my hero's are out there. I've seen John Nemeth from the bay area several times. He is probably the best modern day blues vocalist I've heard in years. His vocal range is like nothing I've ever heard. He gets to the midwest occasionally and I always try and catch him when I can.

charley95

Tornado Red wrote: »

Ahh, I see. The Oppos do a lot of stuff, but like they say, they are Blu-ray players first. The 103 will only have individual song repeat or whole disc repeat, shuffle and random playback as options which unfortunately don't help you. There is a repeat for a particular section though that may interest you. Hit the AB Replay button at a point in a song (considered point A) and when you reach the desired end of that, say, guitar riff, hit the AB Replay button again (this becomes point . You can now replay that particular section over and over, that may help if you want to learn guitar riffs and just want to replay that section of the song.

I did notice the a/b feature which will make nice phrase sampling for repeated licks. I will miss the program feature but, oh well.
It's nice to have an upgraded player.

Irrenhaus

charley95 wrote: »

Diana Krall discs are amazing recordings. I think I'll have to pick up an SACD of her. One thing I noticed with tube amps is that they really make female vocals come alive, especially Kralls recordings. Funny you mention B3, I'm a huge fan of it. Had Joey D. & Jimmy Smith wailing today. I actually know people who are big blues/jazz lovers and they don't like B3. Go figure! Are you hip to the west coast blues guitar players out there? Most of my hero's are out there. I've seen John Nemeth from the bay area several times. He is probably the best modern day blues vocalist I've heard in years. His vocal range is like nothing I've ever heard. He gets to the midwest occasionally and I always try and catch him when I can.

hey thanks for the reply back. I going to have to check John out and give him a listen. Ohh Tubes Amps those are the next step on rabbit hole.

Cheers

SDA1C

Might have found it bro!


Release date: November 20, 2012
Category: Latest Public Beta Release
Main Version: BDP10X-37-1114B
Loader Version: 6U0900 (BDP-103), 7B0600 (BDP-105)
Sub Version: MCU103-05-0916 (BDP-103), MCU105-04-1113 (BDP-105)

1. Added support for "Rhapsody" online music and "CinemaNow" movie/TV streaming services.
2. Added the "Blank HDMI 2" option in the Setup Menu -> Video Setup -> 3D Setting. This allows the player to force HDMI 2 to output a 2D blank screen when HDMI 1 outputs 3D video. Some customers reported that during 3D movie playback, when HDMI 1 was connected to a 3D display and HDMI 2 was connected to a non-3D receiver which in turn is connected to the same 3D display, there was no audio coming from the receiver. This issue has been resolved.
3. Resolved the incorrect aspect ratio (AR) during some user-created media. In the previous firmware the player may have unnecessarily pillarboxed or stretched the video of some user-created media files. This issue has been resolved.
4. Resolved an incompatibility with older Digital Coaxial or Optical receivers where streaming services (such as Netflix, YouTube) produced no audio.
5. Improved the user experience in the HOME menu and the Media Center (Photo, Music, or Movie) e.g., Added Thumbnail View mode for Movie and Music, and the customer can press RED COLOR button to quickly switch between File List mode and Thumbnail View mode.
6. Added "Sleep Timer" option in the Setup Menu -> Device Setup. This allows the player to turn itself off after a specific amount of time.
7. Added support for converting Side-by-Side and Top-Bottom formatted MKV into 3D. During the playback of a compatible MKV, press the 3D button on the remote once to turn on the "2D->3D" conversion then press the 3D button again to display the "3D Setting" menu. Select "Side-by-Side" or "Top-Bottom" to match the source to convert the image to 3D.
8. Added "CD Program Play" function for CD/SACD playback. During the disc playback, press the YELLOW COLOR button to bring the “Program Play” interface. Here you can use the LEFT/RIGHT ARROW button to set a desired playlist.
9. General disc compatibility improvement based on recent and upcoming Blu-ray releases as well as user-submitted disc samples.
Special notices:
a) In order to facilitate the user experience improvement in media navigation (item 6 above), the player will create an "OPPO_Media_Info" folder on the connected USB storage device and store media information there. You may find this folder on USB flash drives or external hard drives after using those on the OPPO player. Please do not delete the folder and its files.
b) SD DVD de-interlacing performance is not as good as that of the official firmware release BDP10X-33-1018. If you watch DVD often, we recommend that you skip this beta test version and wait for the next official release, which will fix this problem.
c) You can revert back to the previous Official release via a USB thumb drive.

Perhaps a firmware update is all you need. Then the yellow button is your ticket.

charley95

Thanks Dan, Thats great news! It really sucked that I couldn't program. I only like to play selected tracks on most discs.

SDA1C

I think you can use the wireless dongle for the update while the net is broadcast from your smart phone. Mine is connected ethernet directly to the router but I think I read you can connect via wifi.

Tornado Red

Sounds like just what you need Charley. Dan, have you d/l the beta yet? Just a word of caution, it's pretty buggy and you can't go back to any previous version of fw if you don't like it. And I believe the beta will not automatically d/l, I think you need to load it via USB. I'm waiting for the next public fw release from Oppo, which is imminent as I understand it.