OPPO BDP103 for 2 channel? What other sources for ~$500 should I look at?

comfortablycurt

Hey everyone. I'm in the process of upgrading basically all of my equipment right now, and one of the next things on my list is a new source. I'd love some input and suggestions.

This will serve as both a Bluray/DVD player and a CD player. I don't currently have a HT system, so it'll only be running through my 2 channel system for now. I use my 2 channel system when watching movies and playing games though, so it'll be serving a dual role. In the future, it will be integrated into a dual purpose 2-channel/HT system. The primary role that it will be serving for now will be as my primary 2 channel source, so the 2 channel performance is the main factor in my search.

I'm currently using an Acurus L10 preamp, but I'm planning on upgrading my preamp to a Parasound NewClassic Model 2100 by the end of the summer. I'll most likely be getting the new source at the same time as the new preamp. The power amp I'm running right now is an Adcom GFA-545. My amp is going to be upgraded eventually too, but that upgrade won't be for a while yet. I just bought a pair of LSi9s that will be arriving next week, so these are going to be the main speakers used with it for the time being. I will also sometimes be using either my SDA 2As or my Monitor 7As with it.

The main player that I've looked at is the OPPO BDP103. It seems to have everything that I need as far as features go, and it seems to be a very well built and high quality unit. I've searched around and read a lot of positive professional reviews, but I'm curious what everyone here thinks about it for 2 channel performance, or just what anyone thinks about it in general.

Also, if anyone has any other suggestions for a source in the $500 area, I'd love to hear them.

Mike Reeter

The only downside that I see is that the 103 doesn't have L/R Stereo Outputs (RCA) seems to me that most of the "better" Universal Players do, Marantz SA8005, Oppo 105, etc. But of course they are much mo money.

http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-103/images/BDP-103-Back.png

steveinaz

I use the Oppo 103 as my multi-source, ran via coax to my DAC. I also have a USB HDD connected to the Oppo with hi-res flac files. LOVE IT. My system is a 2ch/HT.

Connection scheme:
DirecTV HD box (toslink)/Oppo (coax)--DAC--Passive linestage--Amp

comfortablycurt

It does have L/R stereo outputs, but they aren't dedicated. It has a 7.1 analog out (a big plus for SACD and such), and the front right and front left channels are used as the stereo output as well.

I really like the OPPO 105, but at about $800 more than the 103, that's well out of my current price range. I really like those Marantz players. I demoed a Marantz SA8003 SACD player for a week several years back, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The SA8005 isn't a universal player though, it's just a CD/SACD player.

I just took a look at the Marantz site though, and I found the UD5007. This looks really nice. It's about the same price range, and it has a dedicated 2 channel analog out. No dedicated multi-channel outs though, which is a drawback for SACD playback. I'm not liking that the only outputs are a single HDMI out and a dedicated 2 channel out. The Oppo has a much greater variety.

us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=BluRayDVD&SubCatId=0&ProductId=UD5007

steveinaz

Since I have an external DAC, I saw no need for the 105.

comfortablycurt

How does the 103 sound without the DAC? I have a DAC that I could use with it, but I'd rather get something that I can use by itself. I'm moving to a new apartment in August, and space for my audio gear is going to be at a premium. So I'm trying to eliminate some of the components.

edit-That Pioneer looks really nice for the price. I like it.

gudnoyez

https://quadcities.craigslist.org/ele/4967160505.html

Here's a nice unit for 60 bucks no remote these Marantz 's are pretty nice right down the road from me. If you have any interest contact the guy I would be more than happy to pick it up and ship it for you, at that price you can't go wrong.

comfortablycurt

That Marantz actually isn't far from me. I'm in Dixon, IL, which is only about 50 miles from the Quad Cities. That looks like it might be nice. I looked it up and it's got pretty good specs, especially for $60. That's definitely something to consider.

F1nut

I just took a look at the Marantz site though, and I found the UD5007. This looks really nice. It's about the same price range, and it has a dedicated 2 channel analog out. No dedicated multi-channel outs though, which is a drawback for SACD playback. I'm not liking that the only outputs are a single HDMI out and a dedicated 2 channel out. The Oppo has a much greater variety.

You don't need more than the 2 channel analog outs to play SACD's and since you are running a 2 channel system only, multi-channel outs don't matter.

I don't know how that Marantz sounds for music, but I do know the 103 is a video player first, music second.

comfortablycurt

F1nut wrote: »

You don't need more than the 2 channel analog outs to play SACD's and since you are running a 2 channel system only, multi-channel outs don't matter.

I don't know how that Marantz sounds for music, but I do know the 103 is a video player first, music second.

This is very true. The only SACD I've ever really enjoyed in multi-channel is DSOTM, and I still prefer it in 2 channel. I do really like the fact that the Marantz has a dedicated 2 channel output.

gudnoyez

comfortablycurt wrote: »

That Marantz actually isn't far from me. I'm in Dixon, IL, which is only about 50 miles from the Quad Cities. That looks like it might be nice. I looked it up and it's got pretty good specs, especially for $60. That's definitely something to consider.

Dixon eh were pretty much neighbors did you go guys get those super cell storms the other night? Tornadoes all over the place a buddy of mine lost a pole barn and lots of property damage was crazy around here.

If your interested in that Marantz a universal remote should work, if you don't want to make the trip to the QCA, I would be more than happy to ship it to you. That would leave you with another $440 to spend on the bookies your wanting. I bet that Marantz should get you buy for awhile. Don't fret on giving me a holler if you want it.

comfortablycurt

We had some really strong straight line winds, and it was pouring like crazy for a while. We didn't have any tornadoes touch down right by us, but the ones in Rochelle and Kirkland were close enough. Some friends of my parents that own a farm right outside of Rochelle lost basically everything. Almost their entire farm was leveled. They had a ton of cattle and a lot of them were trapped and injured. It was bad. There was some pretty severe damage. The worst of it missed us here thankfully.

I just went to look at the listing for that Marantz again, and it appears to have been removed. It was likely already sold. That was a good deal. I should have jumped on it right away.

gudnoyez

https://quadcities.craigslist.org/ele/4951480585.html

Well here is another one don't play Blu rays, but DVD, SACD, and CDs same offer applies should you be interested. Another Marantz.

Glad you rode the storms out it was scary to say the least.

comfortablycurt

That looks nice, but unfortunately Bluray playback is essential.

Thank you for the offer though!

comfortablycurt

Well I just bought a Marantz UD5005. As far as I can tell, it's basically the same as the UD5007, but it offers a wider range of outputs, which is a good thing for me. I scored it for $150, so not a bad price at all. The only major differences between the 5005 and 5007 seem to be in the video section, which isn't a huge concern to me. Pretty much as long as it has an HDMI output and plays a Bluray disc, the video section has passed my scrutiny lol

I should have it by the end of this week. I'm looking forward to checking it out.

teekay0007

gudnoyez wrote: »

Don't fret on giving me a holler if you want it.

That's what she said!

RamZet

The 103 is really a steal. You get the ability to play FLAC via USB. The Video quality is awesome too. I really like the dual HDMI out puts. The HDMI in is great too if you have a game system you want to quickly plug in. Build quality is very good too.

btown1985

DSkip wrote: »

Pioneer bdp-51fd is a great used unit you can pick up for $100. A little dynamat transforms it into a great budget source.

+1, A buddy has this unit and loves it for the same purpose you are looking for

btown1985

Sorry, late on the post. Another option if you get bored with the Marantz!

RamZet

btown1985 wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

Pioneer bdp-51fd is a great used unit you can pick up for $100. A little dynamat transforms it into a great budget source.

+1, A buddy has this unit and loves it for the same purpose you are looking for

That unit giant!
I use a BDP-95FD, not as big. But that thing is a great CD player. I did a side by side test with a Oppo-103 and the Pioneer was about the same if not better with CDs.

comfortablycurt

I've always heard great things about those Pioneer players. I was looking at a couple of them actually, but I ultimately decided to go with the Marantz.

I haven't actually hooked it up yet. Realistically, it might be a couple weeks before I get a chance to. I've got final exams coming the week after next week, so I'm a bit otherwise occupied...lol